RATS has recently seen advertisements in chandlery catalogues for LED navigation replacement bulbs that carry some warnings about their use. These warnings do not make it clear that that these bulbs may not conform to any recognised standard (such as the European EN 14744), that they may have no valid certification from bodies such as the MCA, or that they may not satisfy the requirements of the International Colregs. It is possible that the design produces cut-off angles at the ends of the light sectors that are likely to be ill-defined.
Because of these cut-off angles with the so called 'Tri-colour' replacement, it might be that the mix of the red and green colours that it will emit dead ahead could well be mistaken for a stern light. RATS suggests that members considering changing the traditional incandescent bulbs with LED replacement bulbs in their navigation lights should look for any recognised certification on these bulbs, bear in mind the suggested points above and discuss their intentions with their insurance company before purchasing and installing this type of bulb.
Posted by Colin Heywood - RATS
Committee & Roger Edgar - Secretary European Inland Waterways Section
