Does the Sea-Doo Pontoon Have Navigation Lights?

If you’re new to boating, as a motorized vessel, SWITCH pontoons are required to have red and green directional lights at the front of the watercraft and a white stern light towards the rear in order to legally operate at night. By understanding these lights, you’ll be able to decipher the location and heading (or direction) of other boats in the dark.

The red light is located on the port side (left side) of the SWITCH, and the green light is located on the starboard (right side). This is the same for all boats and these lights help you determine the heading or the direction of travel of other boats on the water. If you look off the front of your SWITCH and spot another boat and see the red light visible, that indicates the boat is moving towards your left. If you see the green light, the other boat is moving towards your right. You can use that information to make the best decision possible to steer clear of each other.

The white light located towards the stern (rear) of all SWITCH pontoons is used as a locator light. Often, this is the first light you’ll see when spotting another boat in the dark. Once you identify a boat’s location, you can use the red and green lights discussed above to determine their course of travel. This white stern light must remain on after dusk whether you’re anchored or underway.

All navigational lighting on the SWITCH is operated by a toggle switch located at the helm (or console), easily within reach for the Captain.

In addition to navigation lights, SWITCH pontoons are also equipped with a courtesy light that illuminates around the console area. This is a huge help if you need to move about the deck at night or find something stowed in a LinQ bag or cargo box.

Additionally, it’s highly recommended to carry a flashlight onboard. You never know when a light might burn out or malfunction. It’s also an important safety tool in case of emergency. You can use a flashlight to signal assistance from other vessels if you become stranded or disabled on the water for any reason.

We hope the information provided here gives you even more opportunities to enjoy new Sea-Doo life adventures with a newfound confidence. If you have additional questions about required lighting on the waters you’re travelling, check with the local marinas. A boater's safety course is also a great idea to get a better understanding of boating safely at night.