When does an air cushioned vessel exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light?

An air cushioned vessel, commonly known as a hovercraft, exhibits an all-round flashing yellow light when it is underway. This visual signal is crucial as it indicates the presence of a vessel that can travel over water as well as land surfaces, which differentiates it from conventional vessels. When the vessel is in motion, the all-round flashing yellow light serves to alert other maritime traffic and observers about its operation and status, enhancing safety across the navigation area.

While the vessel is moored, at anchor, or in poor visibility, it does not require this specific signal. Instead, different indications would apply based on the vessel's operational status and the COLREGs regulations. For instance, while at anchor, a traditional vessel would display an anchor light, and in poor visibility, it may resort to sounding appropriate signals rather than using a flashing yellow light. Understanding these signals is essential for ensuring safe navigation and compliance with international maritime regulations.