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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 Navigation Lights in Chapter 3. No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights may be exhibited. Note: Blue or red flashing lights are restricted to use by law enforcement vessels only.

Power-Driven Vessels
Less Than 26 Feet

Powerboat with combination sidelights and all-round white light

Power-Driven Vessels
26 Feet or Longer

Powerboat with masthead light, sternlight and red sidelight

Powerboat with masthead light, sternlight and green sidelight

Sailboat with combination sidelights, masthead light and sternlight

The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel. The common lighting configurations for recreational vessels are discussed below. For other configurations and requirements for larger vessels, see the U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules.

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway

Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under engine power.

If less than 26 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown at left. The required lights are:

  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile away.
  • 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. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be higher than the sidelights.

If 26 feet long or longer, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown to the left and below. The required lights are:

  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile away.
  • A masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles away. The masthead light must be higher than the sidelights.

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

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

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

If 26 feet long or longer, these vessels must exhibit the lights as shown in Figure 2. The required lights are:

  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away.
  • A sternlight visible from a distance of at least three miles away.

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.

Navigation lights for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet long

If less than 26 feet long, these vessels should:

  • If practical, exhibit the lights as shown in Figure 2.
  • If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light as shown in Figure 3.

Unpowered Vessels Less Than 26 Feet

Figure 3: Navigation lights on unpowered vessels less than 23 feet long

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.

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to use an all-round white light between sunset and sunrise whenever they are anchored in the waters of or connected to the Great Lakes. It is advisable to display a white light always when anchored or adrift at night.
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