LightRule – Quick Reference & Handy Learning Tool



Do you ever look at lights of other vessels when you’re running at night and wonder what kind of boat that is, and is it coming, going, or towing?  How about deciphering those pesky day shapes or whistle sounds in the fog?  Here’s a handy tool that can help you identify what you’re looking at or hearing in just a second. 



The LIGHTrule by Weems & Plath is a sliding plastic vessel identification tool that shows you 60 light configurations and what the boats will look like in the dark from both port and starboard.  It will even provide you with a snapshot from the bow or stern.  And here’s some help for strained eyes – the identification of the vessel appears in a magnified description at the end of the slider.


Additional information includes configurations of 15 day shapes, and also whistle, horn and bell sounds for maneuvering, warning and restricted visibility.  It’s always a good thing to spot a tug towing a semi-submerged tow early or understand that what you’re coming up to is a vessel that is grounded and is flying the appropriate day shapes to warn you.   


The LIGHTrule is a great reference tool that can be kept in the cockpit day and night.  And since you can look up vessels by their descriptions and then look at the light configurations, it also makes a great study aid for navigation classes and Coast Guard exams.  It even comes in Spanish.


The LIGHTrule is made of durable plastic that is approximately 16” x 5” and is stored in a vinyl sleeve. The suggested retail price is $30 and it’s available where other Weems & Plath products are sold or check their website at www.weemsandplath.com.

Written by: Zuzana Prochazka
Zuzana Prochazka is a writer and photographer who freelances for a dozen boating magazines and websites. A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana has cruised, chartered and skippered flotillas in many parts of the world and serves as a presenter on charter destinations and topics. She is the Chair of the New Product Awards committee, judging innovative boats and gear at NMMA and NMEA shows, and currently serves as immediate past president of Boating Writers International. She contributes to Boats.com and YachtWorld.com, and also blogs regularly on her boat review site, TalkoftheDock.com.