It's the Law: Required Equipment

Navigation Lights

If underway between sunset and sunrise, or during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.), vessels must be equipped with and exhibit navigation lights.The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel.

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway

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

• If 26 ft. long or longer, the required lights are:
  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile.
  • A masthead light and a sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles. The masthead light must be higher than the sidelights as shown in figures 1, 2, and 3.
• If less than 26 ft. long, the required lights are:
  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile.
  • An all-round white light as shown in figure 4 or both a masthead light and a sternlight as shown in figures 1, 2, and 3. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be higher than the sidelights.

Figure 1	Figure 2
Figure 3	Figure 4

Unpowered Vessels When Underway

Unpowered vessels are sailboats under sail, canoes, kayaks, or rowboats.

• If 26 ft. long or longer, these vessels must exhibit lights as shown in figures 5 and 6:
  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles.
  • A sternlight visible from a distance of at least three miles.
• If less than 26 ft. long, these vessels should:
  • If practical, exhibit the lights as shown in figures 5 and 6.
  • If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light as shown in figures 7 and 8.

Figure 5	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. Figure 6
Figure 7	Figure 8

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 always display a white light when anchored or adrift at night.