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
• Whenever the weather reduces visibility

The different types of navigation lights are described in "Navigation Lights". No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights may be exhibited. Note: Blue or red 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 discussed below. For other configurations and requirements for larger vessels, see the U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules.

Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet Long When Underway

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

The red and green lighting must conform to the illustration above. Red should be on the left side of the bow and green on the right side of the bow.

Sailboats When Underway

If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in Figure 2. 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 long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night.
• 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.

Manually Powered Vessels When Underway

Manually powered vessels are boats that are paddled, poled, or rowed. If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should exhibit a white light visible for 360° around the horizon and visible from a distance of at least one mile away if operating on natural lakes, Corps of Engineers impoundments, border rivers, or impoundments on inland rivers. If this light is partially obscured due to the nature of the vessel, an additional white light must be on hand to be shown in sufficient time to prevent a collision.

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 360 degrees around the horizon whenever they are moored or anchored outside a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise.