Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Navigation Lights

Navigation lights help you and other boaters determine which is the give-way vessel when encountering each other at night. These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility such as fog. All vessels propelled by an engine or by sail must have proper navigation lighting sufficient to make the vessel’s presence and location known to any other vessels within a reasonable distance.

Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65 Feet Long When Underway

Sailboats When Underway

Sailboats under power must conform to motorboat navigation light requirements.

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 40 to 65 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in Figure 2:

• Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles (or if less than 40 feet long, at least one mile) on a dark clear night
• A sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles.

Lights Required for Manually Powered Vessels When Underway

All manually powered vessels (does not include sailboats) should : Exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65 feet in length, or If navigation lights are not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light to display in time to prevent a collision (Figure 3).

To prevent a collision, 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.

Lights Required for All Vessels When Not Underway

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

• Blue and red flashing lights are restricted to use by law enforcement vessels only.
• For other configurations and requirements for larger vessels see the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Navigation Rules.”