It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Navigation Lights

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and in periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain. The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel. The common lighting configurations for recreational vessels are shown. For other configurations and 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 at least two miles (or if less than 39.4 feet 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 at least two miles on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) higher than the sidelights.

1. Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet
Combination red and green lights allowed only on vessels less than 39.4 feet.

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

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

• If less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) long and 23 feet (7 meters) or greater, 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 (or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile) on a dark, clear night.
  • A sternlight visible from at least two miles.
• If less than 23.0 feet (7 meters) long, these vessels:
  • If practical, should exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels listed above.
  • If not practical, must have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light as shown in figure 3, to be displayed in time to avoid a collision.

2. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet
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.

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to display a white light visible in all directions whenever they are moored or anchored away from dock between sunset and sunrise and/or during periods of restricted visibility.

3. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23.0 Feet
	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.