ON PLACEMENT OF STERN LIGHT

The author notes that the International Regulations call for a stern light to be exhibited nearly as practicable at the stern. He considers that phrase to mean that the stern light should be attached at the stern, with deviation permitted only when the operation or peculiar construction of the vessel makes that impossible. In these cases, the stern light should be carried as close to the stern as possible. He reviews the history of modifications to the regulation and finds his views to be reasonable. Observations of actual practices, however, seem to indicate that it is unecessary to agree with his views. He strongly advocates adherence to his interpretation because many nonlicensed seamen keep watch at night aboard coasters in busy waters and the stern light should be clearly visible and unobserved by other lights.