Definition

Noun: A running light is a specific, colored light carried by a boat or ship to indicate its position, direction, and status to other vessels, especially during periods of low visibility such as at night or in fog. These lights are part of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

Usage

Running lights are mandatory navigation lights. Their primary purpose is to prevent collisions by allowing other vessels to determine a ship's heading and type (e.g., whether it is a power-driven vessel, a sailing vessel, or a vessel at anchor).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The captain checked that all the vessel's running lights were operational before departing at dusk.
  • From a distance, we could see the red and green running lights of the approaching ship, telling us it was coming toward us.

Advanced Usage

• "To show a running light": To have a specific navigation light illuminated and visible.
  • A vessel under sail but also using its engine must show the running lights for a power-driven vessel.

Variants and Related Words

• Navigation light(s) (n): The broader category of lights that includes running lights, masthead lights, stern lights, and anchor lights. "Running lights" often specifically refer to the sidelights (red and green).
• Sidelight (n): Another term for the red (port) or green (starboard) running light.
• Port light (n): The red running light on the left side of a vessel.
• Starboard light (n): The green running light on the right side of a vessel.

Synonyms

• Sidelight: Specifically refers to the red or green running light.
• Navigation light: A more general synonym.

Related Phrases

• "Lights are burning": A phrase indicating that the required navigation lights are on and functioning.
  • We made sure our running lights were burning brightly as we entered the busy channel.

Related Idioms

• "Red, right, returning": A common U.S. mnemonic for navigation (referring to buoys, not running lights). It is sometimes confused by learners with running light colors. The correct rule for running lights is: Red on the left (port) side, Green on the right (starboard) side.

Noun

1. light carried by a boat that indicates the boat's direction; vessels at night carry a red light on the port bow and a green light on the starboard bow