What is the height restriction for foremast head light on vessels wider than 5 meters?

For vessels wider than 5 meters, the foremast head light must be set at a height that is equal to their breadth. This regulation ensures that the light is visible from a distance and effectively serves its purpose of indicating the vessel's presence and direction to other boats and navigational aids.

The requirement aligns with the overall aim of maritime safety and ensures that larger vessels maintain an appropriate height for their masthead lights, allowing for better visibility in varied sea conditions. A height restriction of equal to the vessel's breadth provides a standard that accounts for different vessel widths while ensuring that the light remains effective.

In this context, alternatives that suggest fixed or lower heights, such as limiting it to 4 or 5 meters above the hull, do not adequately accommodate the diversity of vessel sizes and their operational requirements. Additionally, allowing no maximum height could lead to excessively tall lights that might create risks of collision or obfuscate navigation.