What lighting is required for vessels longer than 50 meters?

For vessels longer than 50 meters, the requirement for lighting includes a 360-degree light. This type of light is essential as it provides visibility from all directions, ensuring that the vessel can be seen by other vessels navigating in close proximity, especially in restricted visibility conditions or at night.

The 360-degree light is typically placed on the highest point of the vessel and is used to indicate the vessel's presence and position to nearby boaters. This enhances navigational safety and helps to prevent collisions by ensuring that a significant and easily recognizable light source is visible from considerable distances.

In contrast, red and green lights are used to indicate the port and starboard sides of vessels, but they do not provide a full view of the vessel's presence in the same way a 360-degree light does. Flashing lights may be used for specific signaling or in certain conditions, but they do not replace the requirement for constant, steady navigation lights. Alternating colors might refer to specific signaling but are not standard for indicating a vessel's presence in the context of size and lighting requirements. Therefore, the 360-degree light is the proper requirement for vessels exceeding 50 meters in length.