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marine navigation lights

Specific lighting configurations are required for vessels operating between sunset and sunrise or in times of restricted visibility. Do not assume that your boat came from the factory or showroom with all the proper equipment. It's your responsibility to make sure your vessel shows the proper lights depending upon its size and the waters in which you are operating.

The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International-Inland encompasses lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. The information provided here is intended for power driven and sailing vessels less than 20 meters. The various options are illustrated.

The U.S. Inland Rules apply inside the demarcation lines at the entrances to inlets, bays, rivers, etc. The demarcation lines are shown on coastal charts as magenta dashed lines. Once outside of the demarcation lines, International Rules apply.


Figure 1
Power Driven Vessels
Power driven vessels of less than 20 meters shall exhibit navigation lights as shown in Figure 1.

(Note: 2 masthead lights are optional for vessels under 50 meters. Vessels over 50 meters will display two masthead lights.)
 

Figure 2
Vessels of less than 12 meters in length, may show the lights in either Figure 1 or Figure 2.

Power driven vessels of less than 7 meters whose maximum speed cannot exceed 7 knots may exhibit an all-around white light, and if practicable sidelights instead of the lights prescribed above, in international waters only.
 

Figure 3

Sailing Vessels and Vessels Under Oars
Sailing vessels less than 20 meters may exhibit the navigation lights shown in Figures 3 or 4.

 


Figure 4

Figure 5
Another option for sailboats is to use a single combination lantern at the top of the mast as shown in Figure 5.
 

Figure 6
Sailing vessels less than 7 meters may carry an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light to be displayed in sufficient time to prevent collision (see Figure 6 - left picture). If practicable, the lights prescribed for sailing vessels less than 20 meters should be displayed.

Vessels under oars may display the lights prescribed for sailing vessels, but if not, must have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light to be displayed in sufficient time to prevent collision (see Figure 6 - right picture).

Shapes and Lights
To alert other vessels of conditions which may be hazardous, there are requirements to display lights at night and shapes during the day.

 

Figure 7
Anchored Vessels
Power driven vessels and sailing vessels at anchor must display anchor lights. An anchor light for a vessel less than 50 meters in length is an all-around white light visible for 2 miles exhibited where it can best be seen (see Figure 7).
 

Figure 8

Vessels at anchor shall exhibit forward where best seen, a ball shape (see Figure 8).

Vessels less than 7 meters are not required to display anchor lights or day shapes unless anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate.

Anchor lights are not required on vessels less than 20 meters, anchored in special anchorages in inland waters designated by the Secretary of Transportation.

 

Figure 9
Sailing Vessels Under Power
   Vessels under sail also being propelled by machinery, must exhibit forward where best seen, a conical shape with the apex pointing down (see Figure 9). Vessels less than 12 meters are not required to exhibit the day-shape in inland waters.

Sailing vessels operating under machinery, or under sail and machinery are considered power driven and must display the lights prescribed for a power driven vessel.

 

Figure 10
Restricted Manoeuvrability
The Navigation Rules require vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre to display appropriate day shapes or lights. To meet this requirement, recreational vessels engaged in diving activities may exhibit a rigid replica of the international code flag "A" not less than one meter in height or at night display the navigation lights shown in Figure 10.

This requirement does not affect the use of a red and white divers flag which may be required by state or local law to mark a diver's location. The "A" flag is a navigation signal indicating the vessel's restricted manoeuvrability and does not pertain to the diver.

Navigation lights should be checked prior to departing the dock and you should always carry spare bulbs.