The Ship Report: The lights you see at night on ships - they hold great meaning, especially for other vessels

<p><strong>The Ship Report, Tuesday, August 25, 2026</strong></p><p>Today we&#39;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. </p><p>Light colors and placement are not random, and their patterns hold great meaning for other vessels that may see them at night. </p><p>There are running lights, which give other vessels important information about a vessel&#39;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.</p><p></p>