It's the Law: Required Equipment

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain. For requirements for larger vessels, see the U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules.

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway

If less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in Figure 1. Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under engine power. The required lights are:

• Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile—on a dark, clear night.
• An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet (one meter) higher than the sidelights.

Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed.

If less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in Figure 2. The required lights are:

• Red and green sidelights visible from at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile.
• A sternlight visible from at least two miles away.

An alternative to the sidelights and sternlight is a combination red, green, and white light, which must be exhibited near the top of the mast.

If less than 23.0 feet (7 meters) long, these vessels should:

• If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length.
• If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light as in Figure 3.