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Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Navigation Lights

Vessel operators must make sure that their vessels are equipped with the proper navigation lights and use the lights during these conditions:

  • When away from the dock between sunset and sunrise
  • During periods of restricted visibility, such as fog or heavy rain

The different types of navigation lights are described in “Night Navigation” in Chapter 3. Don’t exhibit any other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights. Note: Blue or red flashing lights are restricted to law enforcement vessels only.

The federal requirements listed below for navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel. Wisconsin law requires boaters to comply with all federal lighting requirements. For requirements for larger vessels, see the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Navigation Rules.”

Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 20 Meters Long When Underway

Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.) long must exhibit lights as shown in Figure 1. Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under power.

The required lights are:

  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles—or if less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) long, at least one mile—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 on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least one meter (3.3 ft.) higher than the sidelights.
 Figure 1: Navigation lights on power-driven vessels less than 20 meters

The red and green lighting must conform to the above illustration. Red should be on the left side of the bow and green on the right side of the bow.

Figure 2: Navigation lights on unpowered vessels less than 20 meters

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.

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

Unpowered vessels are sailing vessels or those that are paddled, poled and rowed.

  • Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.) long 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 12 meters (39.4 ft.) long, at least one mile—on a dark, clear night
    • A sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles.

Vessels less than 7 meters (23 ft.) long should:

  • If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.) in length.
  • If not practical, shine a white light from a lantern or flashlight as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Navigation lights on unpowered vessels less than 7 meters

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

Between sunset and sunrise, all vessels are required to display a white light visible from all directions whenever they are anchored away from a dock or moored in an area other than a designated mooring area.

All-round white light
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The Handbook of Wisconsin Boating Laws and Responsibilities

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