Pole‑Mounted Navigation Lights for Small Craft

Pole lights are the ideal navigation lighting solution for RIBs, tenders, sports boats, and open powerboats. Any vessel where a fixed masthead or cabin superstructure isn't available.

By elevating your navigation light above passengers, outboard engine cowlings, and equipment, pole lights ensure clear visibility in line with collision regulations.

Force 4 Chandlery offers a selection of folding pole lights, removable plug-in bases, and telescopic options in both LED and standard configurations.

Boat Pole Lights by Style

• Plug-In & Removable Lights – Detachable lights featuring waterproof socket bases for easy stowing when trailing or using boat covers.
• Folding & Hinged Lights – Hinged designs that lay flat out of the way when passing under low bridges or fitting a cover.
• Combination Pole Lights – Integrated all-round white and bi-colour (port/starboard) lights mounted on a single riser pole for small powerboats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What boats require a navigation pole light?

Pole lights are designed for open motor vessels and small boats under 12m without a fixed masthead or superstructure. They are ideal for:

• RIBs and inflatable tenders
• Open powerboats and speedboats
• Small fishing boats and day cruisers

By raising the light above outboard engines, equipment and passengers, pole lights ensure your navigation lighting can be seen. Meaning your vessel meets COLREG visibility requirements.

Can a 360° white light on a pole act as an anchor light?

Yes. On small power-driven vessels (under 12m), a 360° all-round white pole light fulfills two regulatory needs:

• When anchored at night: Serves as a 360° anchor light.
• When moving under engine: Serves as your white steaming light alongside your port and starboard sidelights.

Just ensure it's mounted high enough to be clearly visible from any direction.

Are plug-in bases waterproof when the light is removed?

Most marine plug-in bases feature spring-loaded or screw-on rubber sealing caps. These will protect the interior electrical contacts from rain and spray when the pole light is unclipped and stowed away.