It's the Law: Required Equipment

• Power-Driven When Underway
• Unpowered Vessels When Underway
• Vessels When Not Underway

Navigation Lights

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway

The masthead light and sternlight may be combined as an all-round white light on vessels less than 39.4 feet long.

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

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

Figure 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.

If less than 65.6 ft. 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.

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.

Figure 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.

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to display a white light visible in all directions whenever they are moored or anchored outside a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise.