running lights

[Jubilee]

During a recent Coast Guard inspection of our R-21EC it was pointed out that there are metal "bars" in the forward part of the both running lights. On the starboard side it is about 1/2 inch wide and on the port about an inch wide. The observation was that the bars restricted light from eminating from the lights and may not be seen by on-coming boats. Can these "bars" be easily removed? Should they be there at all?

 

[captain's cat]

Most navigation light fixtures have a USCG approval number when built and sold. Go back to the MFR's web page, get the number, print it out and keep it with your documentation. Show it when you need it, I'll bet my boat that they meet the requirements IF they were made in this country (and probably in others too!)

It's visibility that gets them the approval number, not the construction properties "bars", etc. :!:

Charlie

 

[Andrew Custis]

Perfect response. Thank you Charlie.

 

[tuggertoy]

You say this was a Coast Guard inspection of your vessel. Was this inspection done by regular Coast Guard personnel or was this a courtesy Vessel Safety Check performed by members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary? If this check was performed by the Auxiliary they may have only been posing a concern of there own, but not necessarily one based on any knowledge of a problem with the lights on your vessel. It seems rather obvious that a company like Ranger Tugs would only use running lights with USCG approval and Andrew has as much confirmed this. I have great respect for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the work that they do, but as an active member of the Auxiliary myself, I can tell you that some members are more knowledgeable than others. Unless you have been written up by a member of the regular Coast Guard for a specific safety infraction you should be good to go.

Eric

 

[bbrh842]

I have been stopped and boarded by the Coast Guard and Homeland security. In both cases they were only interested in what I might be trying to smuggle. They showed not even the least bit on interest in whether I had the proper lights, life jackets, or anything else.

 

[Jubilee]

This inspection was conducted by an CG auxillary member. Frankly, the "bars" do restrict visibility from on-coming boats. The starboard "bar" is wider than the port which also gives me cause for concern.

 

[JamesTXSD]

I have been stopped and boarded by the Coast Guard and Homeland security. In both cases they were only interested in what I might be trying to smuggle. They showed not even the least bit on interest in whether I had the proper lights, life jackets, or anything else.

We get boarded at least once a year - we live about 2 1/2 miles from a Coast Guard Station, so I'm sure that increases our "exposure." The premise is always "being stopped for a safety inspection," and they do check our PFDs, fire extinguishers, registration, throwable PFDs, etc. But, they also ask questions about our range and speed. Only had them look at lights once, and that's when the inspection happened around sunset.

Always a good idea to check lights regularly to make sure they're working and visible.

 

[abcandjrc]

During a recent Coast Guard inspection of our R-21EC it was pointed out that there are metal "bars" in the forward part of the both running lights. On the starboard side it is about 1/2 inch wide and on the port about an inch wide. The observation was that the bars restricted light from eminating from the lights and may not be seen by on-coming boats. Can these "bars" be easily removed? Should they be there at all?

How about posting a picture. I believe it is fairly tricky to put one in a message, but you can open a Photo Album and let us all see the problem. I can't imagine that your lights are any different from the others on R-21s and those on mine are approved, legally mounted, and fully visible over the range they are supposed to be visible.

There are "trim" pieces on my lights, but they are placed within the proper design limits for running lights. Perhaps yours have come lose or you have another defect of some sort.

It is important to remember that it is not the size of the light that is specified (except for visible distance) but the angle over which the light is visible. That is, it is essential that the visibility be "restricted" to some degree for them to be legal.

I think you have lots of us puzzled and the pictures would clear up the questions and perhaps lead to a solution for you.

 

[mspaugy]

I am a marine surveyor and when conducting any type of inspection I never make a comment about any mechanical discrepancy or safety requiremnt without having a refernec e availabel for teh customer such as CFR or Solas regulation etc. In teh future you could ask the Coasties for a reference. Tell them you want the reference to make sure you are within standards when you make what ever correction.

 

[captain's cat]

Most navigation light fixtures have a USCG approval number when built and sold. Go back to the MFR's web page, get the number, print it out and keep it with your documentation. Show it when you need it, I'll bet my boat that they meet the requirements IF they were made in this country (and probably in others too!)

It's visibility that gets them the approval number, not the construction properties "bars", etc. :!:

Charlie

As I said....And I believe Andrew, our resident expert said "perfect response". I was proud of that one! 🙂

I thought this horse was dead, maybe he was only wounded?

Charlie

 

[Levitation]

Well, he is certainly still kicking and in pain...

The OP asked a question in good faith after being told something by a person of 'authority' so maybe we are being a bit harsh here...
The factory has assured us the light fixtures are CG approved and meet the regs... The installation of ONLY USCG approved running lights is required under their registration and permit to manufacture - the proof of that registration is the FMLT in your serial number...
Now, whether the lights installed are the best and brightest ( that pejorative) etc. that is available is open to both discussion, and a severe flogging of a moribund equine, but the OP can rest assured that his running lights meet USCG minimum requirements...

cheers

 

[abcandjrc]

But without seeing the lights, how does one presume to assure the owner that they are fine just because Ranger apparently installs legal lights on their boats? I think there is a bit of a leap of faith there, even if the Make/Model of the lights installed on the boat were legal when installed.

On our R-21 the trim, britework in the front and rear of the lens which I assume the OP may be calling "bars", are both the same width, port and starboard. His are not. What if his light is defective, or if the lens is improperly installed, or the trim has slipped? That is why I think it is not safe to assume his lights are legal because they left the factory legal. Nor can we, with the information we have, consider them illegal. We are merely speculators.

I have heard of "sea-lawyers" in various organizations who may be overzealous. But that does not mean this inspector was, and that he is in error. I sure would look into the problem more deeply before being awarded a ticket for illegal operation or be involved in a collision which might bankrupt me, or worse.

 

[captain's cat]

But without seeing the lights, how does one presume to assure the owner that they are fine just because Ranger apparently installs legal lights on their boats? I think there is a bit of a leap of faith there, even if the Make/Model of the lights installed on the boat were legal when installed.

On our R-21 the trim, britework in the front and rear of the lens which I assume the OP may be calling "bars", are both the same width, port and starboard. His are not. What if his light is defective, or if the lens is improperly installed, or the trim has slipped? That is why I think it is not safe to assume his lights are legal because they left the factory legal. Nor can we, with the information we have, consider them illegal. We are merely speculators.

I have heard of "sea-lawyers" in various organizations who may be overzealous. But that does not mean this inspector was, and that he is in error. I sure would look into the problem more deeply before being awarded a ticket for illegal operation or be involved in a collision which might bankrupt me, or worse.

Good points one and all. So what do you think he should do?

 

[GulfSailor]

Good points one and all. So what do you think he should do?

I think he should send a pic to Ranger for clarification; and of course it would be interesting to see it posted here too.

No amount of speculation will produce a useful answer until the item in question can be seen (and maybe not even then 😛 ).