What type of vessel may combine her sidelights and stern light in a single lantern?

A sailing vessel of less than 20 meters may combine her sidelights and stern light in a single lantern. This provision is established in the COLREGs, which allows small sailing vessels to utilize simplified lighting systems for ease of use and visibility. The rationale behind this is that smaller vessels often face practicality challenges due to their size, maneuverability, and the simplicity required for night navigation.

In combination with the fact that these vessels typically operate in areas where their navigation lighting will be seen by larger vessels, having a single lantern that indicates both sidelights and stern light enhances safety. This single white or colored light can adequately fulfill legal requirements while preventing clutter in the navigation system of smaller boats.

While power-driven vessels, sailing vessels of any size, and fishing vessels have their specific lighting requirements laid out in the COLREGs, they do not have the same allowances for combining lights in this manner as smaller sailing vessels do.