It's the Law: Equipment for Your Vessel

If less than 65.6 feet 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:

• 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—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 higher than the sidelights.

Combination red and green lights allowed only on vessels less than 39.4 feet

Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Ft.

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 long, these vessels should:

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

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.