🌔 1. Use Red Lights Only

• Preserve your night vision by avoiding white lights.

• Equip headlamps or flashlights with red LEDs.

• Dim your electronics and set apps (like Navionics) to night mode.

🧭 2. Rely on Compass & Charts & Landmarks

• Coastal lights can help but beware, shore features can be deceptive at night.

• Double-check your position with GPS, paper charts, and dead reckoning.

• Plot fixes frequently—every 15–30 minutes in tighter areas.

🚨 3. Know the Lights on Aids & Vessels

• Review the light characteristics (e.g., Fl G 4s = flashing green every 4 sec).

• Learn to recognize vessel navigation lights (red/green/white) to determine heading and right-of-way.

• Use a binoculars with compass for spotting and confirming bearings.

🪢 4. Keep the Deck Organized & Secured

• Tidy lines, stow loose gear, and double-check harnesses jack lines and tethers.

• Reduce tripping hazards—what’s annoying by day is dangerous by night.

• Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and tether when moving outside the cockpit.

🔊 5. Communicate Clearly & Keep Watch

• Establish clear watch rotations and communication protocols.

• Keep a sharp lookout—lights, traffic, and radar targets can be missed easily.

• Use VHF when in doubt—especially in busy harbors.