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 Navigation Lights in Chapter 3. 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.

Your Vessel:	That Is:	Must Display These Lights When Underway:	As Shown In:
• Motorboat • Sailboat under power	Powered by engine less than 15 hp	• An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles	Figure 1
• Motorboat • Sailboat under power	Powered by engine 15 hp or greater	• Red and green bowlights visible from a distance of at least one mile • An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles	Figure 2
• Sailboat under sail	More than 22 ft. in length	• Red and green bowlights visible from a distance of at least one mile • A sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles	Figure 3
• Sailboat under sail • Canoe or kayak • Vessel with an electric motor	22 ft. in length or less	• One lantern or flashlight shining a white light, visible from a distance of at least two miles; the operator must display the light in sufficient time to avoid a collision with another vessel	Figure 4