A navigation light is a signal light used on vehicles, ships, aircraft, and other transportation vehicles to increase visibility and prevent collisions. These lights follow strict international guidelines and color codes, depending on their application.
1. Features of navigation lights
✅ Help determine position and direction → Others can see where a vehicle or vessel is and what direction it is moving .
✅ Strict colour coding → Depending on the vehicle type and function.
✅ Steady or flashing light → Some navigation lights are static, others flash to provide extra visibility.
✅ Regulations according to ICAO (aviation), IMO (shipping) and traffic law → Navigation lights are legally required on many means of transport.
2. Applications of navigation lights
✈ Aviation
Navigation lights are mandatory on aircraft according to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) regulations :
- Red light (left wing) → Indicates this is the left side of the aircraft.
- Green light (right wing) → Indicates this is the right side of the aircraft.
- White light (tail) → Indicates the rear of the aircraft.
- Red anti-collision lights (beacon lights) → On the fuselage and flashing to warn that the engine is running.
🚢 Maritime shipping
According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) :
- Red light (port/left) → Indicates this is the left side of the vessel.
- Green light (starboard/right) → Indicates this is the right side of the vessel.
- White masthead light → Shows the forward movement of the vessel.
- Rear light (white) → Shows the rear of the ship.
- Flashing lights or additional signal lights → For special vessels (e.g. tugs, fishing boats, emergency vessels).
🚗 Road traffic (emergency services and special vehicles)
- Blue (police, ambulance, fire brigade) → For emergency services and priority vehicles.
- Orange (work vehicles, agricultural machinery, road workers) → Indicates a slow or special vehicle.
- Red/white (dangerous cargo, trains, trams) → Warns of dangerous vehicles.
🚀 Space and drones
- Navigation lights on satellites and drones help with detection and collision avoidance .
- Many drones follow the same color code as airplanes : red on the left, green on the right, white on the back.
3. Different types of navigation lights
| Type of navigation light | Application | To colour) |
|---|---|---|
| Airplane navigation lights | Directional and visibility on aircraft | Red, green, white |
| Shipping navigation lights | Collision prevention and course determination | Red, green, white |
| Emergency services and traffic | Signal lighting for special vehicles | Blue, red, orange |
| Drones and UAVs | Visibility and orientation during flight | Red, green, white |
| Lighthouses & buoys | Maritime navigation and hazard marking | White, red, green |
💡 In short:
A navigation light is a mandatory signal light on aircraft, ships, drones, and special vehicles , intended to ensure visibility and safety . Navigation lights follow international color codes and regulations to prevent collisions and confusion.