The Ship Report: The lights you see at night on ships - they hold great meaning, especially for other vessels
The Ship Report, Tuesday, August 25, 2026Today we'll hear the first of a two-part interview on ship lights from the Ship Report archives, from an interview I did years ago with Columbia River Bar Pilot Captain Robert Johnson. Light colors and placement are not random, and their patterns hold great meaning for other vessels that may see them at night. There are running lights, which give other vessels important information about a vessel's location and heading, and work lights, which allow crews to work safely at night on deck and allow the ship to be clearly seen at anchor.
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.