Even though maritime navigation technologies have evolved, ECDIS and GPS have come into existence. Navigation lights have a vital role to play and are important equipment when a ship is on a voyage. Since they are used frequently and at crucial points during a ship’s journey, maintenance is required for ship navigational lights. So, if you are thinking of buying a cruise ship for sale, it would be best that you take your time and learn how to keep the navigation lights on ships in the best possible shape.
What Are the Purpose of Navigation Lights?
Navigation lights are used when a vessel is navigating near a heavy traffic area, is reaching and needs to man oeuvre at a port, is navigating near a coastal area, or is sailing on the sea. The navigation lights at such points help to indicate the position of the ship, course direction, status, etc. in relation to a nearby ship and prevent any collision at sea. Using the navigational light at this point is like initiating non-verbal communication with other nearby ships.
So, now that you know the purpose of navigation lights, it is time to learn more about them since you are planning to own a cruise ship for sale.
Three Important Locations for Navigation Lights on Ships
Understandably, a ship’s navigational lights are fitted to the parts of the ship that can be seen from a faraway distance. Let’s check out the three locations where generally the ship’s navigation lights are located:
-Foremast
-Aft signal light station
-Main mast
Factors Affecting Navigation Lights on Ships
The navigation lights of ships are exposed to many factors that affect their functionality. These factors are as follows:
Water
Water acts as a threat to every electrically powered component of the ship. And, therefore, if water ingress happens, then it can cause a short circuit. Now, given that all the navigational lights are located on the ship’s deck, they are outside and can come in contact with rainwater, seawater, and moisture from the atmosphere. This is why the navigation lights are protected and kept inside watertight enclosures.
Vibrations
Vibrations are part of a ship’s journey. The navigation lights on the ship are generally located on the highest points of the ship and, thus, are generally continuously affected by vibrations when the ship’s engine is functioning and cause bulb failure.
Wire securing
The wires emerging from these navigation lights are secured to the mast. They can get tangled and become loose during bad weather. Thus, it is important to keep a check on these wires so that no loose connection occurs suddenly.
Sunlight and wind
The navigation light fittings get continuously exposed to sunlight, and for this, their life gets reduced especially when they are made up of plastic. Thus, it is always essential to maintain them, and wise to use weatherproof brass material light fittings.
Top Tips to Maintain Navigation Lights on Ships
Now, let’s check out how to keep the navigation lights in top condition for an extended period of time.
-Frequently check for any water leakage in the navigation light fittings.
-Make sure that silicon or putty or other water-resistant materials are applied to the light fittings when they are opened for the replacement of the bulbs.
-Ensure that no salt formation can occur inside; if spotted, know that salt water has somehow entered inside.
-For the purpose of cleaning glasses of the lights, fine clothes and cleaners should be used.
-Ensure no fungus or corrosion has developed inside the light holders’ fittings.
-Use contact cleaner for cleaning when the light fitting is opened.
-You must ensure that a vibration absorber, for instance a rubber gasket, is used whenever it is possible.
-Check for loose holders and nut bolts when the navigation lights are worked on. Tighten and secure them when required.
-Where the nut bolts are fixed, washers must be used to prevent the loosening of the nuts.
-You must clamp the structure where the navigation light fixture is installed.
Conclusion
So, this is everything you need to know about navigation lights on ships. Since you saw that navigation lights are extremely crucial for ships, they must be routinely maintained. So, if you are considering buying a cruise ship for sale soon, then it’s necessary that you consider the tips and information that have been shared above; they may come to your aid sooner or later.
