Master the Waves: 2026 OOW COLREGs Challenge – Navigate to Success!

An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object should be lit by displaying an all-round white light. This requirement is specified in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), particularly in the context of marking hazards that may not be easily seen or distinguished in a maritime environment.

The all-round white light serves to provide maximum visibility from all directions, ensuring that other vessels are aware of its presence, especially in low-light conditions or poor visibility. This is crucial for safety, as vessels and navigation aid signals need to be recognized by approaching ships to avoid collisions.

Displaying other types of lights, such as a flashing light or a buoy light, may not adequately communicate the nature of the object, especially if it's intended to signal a hazard or an obstruction. A simple white light might not provide the same level of visibility and recognition in terms of alerting nearby vessels effectively.