Definition

Noun: A white light displayed on a vessel that is anchored at night. It is a navigation light used to signal to other vessels that the ship is stationary and not underway.

Usage

The term "anchor light" is used specifically in maritime contexts. It refers to the single, all-around white light that a vessel at anchor must show between sunset and sunrise according to international and inland navigation rules.

Examples

• Noun:
  • As we entered the harbor after dark, we could see the anchor lights of dozens of boats in the bay.
  • The captain turned on the anchor light before retiring to his cabin for the night.
  • A vessel under 50 meters in length must display one all-around white anchor light.

Advanced Usage

• Regulatory Context: The specific requirements for an anchor light (e.g., visibility range, placement) are dictated by maritime regulations like the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
• "To show an anchor light": This phrase means to display the light, indicating the vessel is anchored.
  • All vessels must show an anchor light when anchored outside a designated anchorage.

Variants and Related Words

• Riding light: A less common synonym for "anchor light."
• Anchor ball: A black shape displayed during the day to signal a vessel is at anchor, serving the same purpose as the anchor light does at night.
• Navigation lights: The broader category of lights (including sidelights, stern light, masthead light) that vessels use to signal their position, status, and direction of travel.

Synonyms

• Riding light (noun)

Notes on Meaning

The "anchor light" is a specific type of safety and navigation signal. Its sole purpose is to prevent collisions by clearly indicating a vessel is not moving. It is distinct from other deck or cabin lights on a boat.

Noun

1. a light in the rigging of a ship that is riding at anchor