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
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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.
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Unpowered Vessels When Underway
Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed.
- If between 23.0 feet long and 65.6 feet long, 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 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.
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.
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