It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel
Navigation Lights
The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset
and sunrise and in periods of restricted visibility such as fog
or heavy rain.
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Power-driven Vessels When Underway
If less than 65.6 ft. (20 meters) long, these vessels must
exhibit the lights as shown in figure 1. 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 (or if less than 39.4 ft. (12 meters) long, at least
one mile)
- An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight
visible from a distance of at least two miles. The all-round
white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 ft.
(one meter) higher than the sidelights.
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Unpowered Vessels When Underway
Unpowered vessels are sailboats or those vessels that are paddled,
poled or rowed.
If less than 65.6 ft. (20 meters) long, these vessels must exhibit
the lights as shown in figure 2:
- Red and green sidelights visible from at least two miles (or if less than
39.4 ft. long, at least one mile)
- A sternlight visible from at least two miles.
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If less than 23.0 ft. (7 meters) long, these vessels:
- If practical, must exhibit the same lights as required for
unpowered vessels listed above
- If not practical, must have on hand at least one lantern or
flashlight shining a white light as shown in figure 3.
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