The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 as amended (COLREGS) states in its paragraph 2(g) of Annex I that the sidelights shall be placed at a height above the hull not greater than three quarters that of the foremast light, and also in its paragraph 9(a)(I) of Annex I that the sidelights shall be seen a minimum of 1° and a maximum of 3° on the opposite bow.

There may be cases where a container ship has difficulties in installing its side lights in compliance with these requirements due to its deck stow of containers.

The Hong Kong Government has notified the Society of its policy on exemption from application of the requirements related to the positioning of side lights as per below. Where you wish to apply for exemption from application of the requirement of paragraph 2(g) of Annex I of COLREGS, you are requested to submit an application for exemption and a drawing/document showing the positioning of navigation lights including side lights, each in four copies, to Material and Equipment Department of the Society in advance so that the Society will ask the Government for exemption after necessary review :

1. Ships to Which the Government Policy Apply

Container ships in which the deck stow of containers extends outwards to the ship's side and upwards for four tiers or more, and of which side lights are planned to be positioned at the level of the top tier of containers as the most appropriate position for them apply.

2. Conditions for Exemption

Where the side lights positioned at the level of the top tier of containers would not satisfy the requirement for positioning of side lights in paragraph 2(g) of Annex I of COLREGS, the application of the said requirement is exempted under paragraph 1(e) "a vessel of special construction or purpose" provided that the foremast light should be not less than 2 meters above the level of the sidelights. A Certificate of Exemption will be issued by the Government.