A COLREGS defined flashing light has how many flashes per minute?

A COLREGS defined flashing light has how many flashes per minute?

• A. 60
• B. 120
• C. 180
• D. 240

Answer: (B)

In COLREGS, lights are described by their pattern to let other vessels identify status and actions at night. A flashing light is defined as a light that pulses on and off at a steady rate of 120 flashes per minute. That specific tempo makes the signal quickly recognizable and distinguishable from a fixed light or from slower or faster on/off patterns. So 120 flashes per minute is the standard definition for a flashing light. The other rates don’t match this defined pattern.

In COLREGS, lights are described by their pattern to let other vessels identify status and actions at night. A flashing light is defined as a light that pulses on and off at a steady rate of 120 flashes per minute. That specific tempo makes the signal quickly recognizable and distinguishable from a fixed light or from slower or faster on/off patterns. So 120 flashes per minute is the standard definition for a flashing light. The other rates don’t match this defined pattern.