Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Navigation Lights

Vessel operators must make sure that their vessels are equipped with the proper navigation lights and use the lights during these conditions:

• When away from the dock between sunset and sunrise
• During periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain

The different types of navigation lights are described in “Night Navigation” in Chapter 3. (Click here to see the types of navigation lights.) No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights may be exhibited. Note: blue flashing lights are restricted to use by law enforcement vessels only.

The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel. The common lighting configurations for recreational vessels are shown below. For other configurations and requirements for larger vessels, see the U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules.

Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 20 Meters Long When Underway

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

• Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles, or if less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) 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 on a dark clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least one meter (3.3 ft.) higher than the sidelights.

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

Unpowered vessels are sailing vessels or those that are paddled, poled or rowed.

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

• Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles, or if less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) long, at least one mile, on a dark clear night.
• A sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles.

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 7 meters (23.0 ft.) long, these vessels should:

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

To prevent a collision, vessel operators should never leave shore without a flashlight. Even if you plan to return before dark, unforeseen developments might delay your return past nightfall.

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to display a white light visible in all directions from a distance of at least two miles whenever they are moored or anchored away from dock, in other than a special anchorage, between sunset and sunrise.