The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.
| Figure 1. Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet |
 |
If less than 65.6 feet 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 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.
- 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.
|
The masthead light
and sternlight may be
combined as an all-round
white light on vessels less
than 39.4 feet long. |
Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed.
| Figure 2. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet |
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 at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away.
- 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. |
 |
| Figure 3. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23.0 Feet |
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 Figure 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. |
