It's the Law: Required Equipment

Navigation Lights

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

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway

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 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.

Fig. 1: Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet 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. If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in fig. 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.

Fig. 2: Unpowered 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 (7 meters) long, these vessels: 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 fig. 3.

Fig. 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 for one mile from all directions whenever they are anchored away from a dock between sunset and sunrise.