I don't want to be a hard case on this, but the fact is that you are
required to have one _or_ the other, and there is no room for
experimentation.
Armond is exactly right on this, I'm sure most folks have seen any
number of -wrong- navigation light combinations/setups. The potential
problem (besides a citation from the CG) is that your lights may very
well be misinterpreted or misunderstood and an even more dangerous
situation may result. On a personal side, it shows the whole sailing
community just how unprofessional and lubberly you are.
Just don't do it.
There are many alternatives for greater nightime visibility, including:
1. Use bigger and/or brighter navigation lights. The guidelines in
COLREGS indicate the -minimum- range of visibility, there is no maximum.
2. Mount your lights higher soas to increase the likelyhood of being
seen at further distances.
3. Have a spotlight at the ready, and shine it on your sails when you
see ships in the distance.
4. Have white parachute flares at the ready, (white flares are used to
indicate risk of collision).
5. Do NOT use a "mast head strobe light" at sea, this is an
International distress signal.
6. Use a big masthead "tri-light" if your yacht's size allows it.
7. Use the "red over green" additional lights on your mast (see COLREGS
for restrictions on their use).
And by all means, stand an around the clock, seamanlike watch, including:
1. Have at least one lookout posted at all times.
2. Have binoculars handy to identify contacts and their light
configurations.
3. Learn how to determine CPA (Closest Point of Approach) by visual
bearings alone (see Bowditch and/or Chapmans).
4. Learn and know the Nautical Rules of the Road.
5. Have your VHF radio on and monitoring channels 16 and 13. If your
VHF is DSC capable, make sure it's installed properly and learn how to
use it. (BTW, VHF DSC -may- be your single best way to get a ship's
attention in the event of a potential collision.)
6. If your yacht is fitted with one, have your RADAR on and learn how
to determine CPA, contact course/speed, and course to avoid. If your
yacht doesn't have RADAR, you should seriously consider getting one.
And one last thing: NEVER leave port without a 406 EPIRB, and test it
monthly.
If you and your yacht are not prepared to do these, then you are not
ready or fit to go to sea.
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