Page

Chapter 2: Boating Safety

Navigation Light Requirements

Navigation lights are generally mandatory during times of limited visibility regardless of the type of vessel. These lights are invaluable because they allow boaters to identify the type of vessels around them, as well as their relative size. While learning the different arrangements which apply to different vessels, pay close attention to the differences between the navigation light requirements for unpowered and powered vessels.

Navigation Lights for Unpowered Vessels:

If a sailboat is over 23 feet (7 meters), the following standards must be met:

(Figure A)

Boat Navigation Lights (Figure A)
  • A white stern light, visible across 135 degrees and from two miles away.
  • A pair of red and green sidelights, visible across 112.5 degrees and from one mile away.
  • Refer to Figure A as an example of the kinds of acceptable configurations for unpowered vessels of this size.

Unpowered boats of this size also have the option of using an all-around light set up, which is also referred to as a tricolor light.

(Figure B)

Boat Navigation Lights (Figure B)
  • This setup uses lights visible from at least two miles away.
  • Red light at port (visible across 112.5 degrees).
  • Green light at starboard (visible across 112.5 degrees).
  • White at stern (visible across 135 degrees).
  • Refer to Figure B for an example of the correct setup. Note that tricolor lights may not be used when under power and that if you do use this configuration you must choose between displaying the tricolor light or the sidelights but not both.

Vessels over 23 feet (7 meters) but under 65.62 feet (20 meters) also have the option of using a combined red over green configuration mast light.

(Figure C)

Boat Navigation Lights (Figure C)
  • A white stern light, visible across 135 degrees and from two miles away.
  • A pair of red and green sidelights, visible across 112.5 degrees and from one mile away.
  • A Red all around light over a green all around light, each visible from 360 degrees and positioned on the top of the mast.
  • Refer to Figure C for an example of the correct setup.

If a sailboat is under 23 feet (7 meters), the following standards must be met:

Boat Navigation Lights (Flashlight)
  • Must display a white light (I.e. flashlight or lantern) when operating between sunset and sunrise or during any periods of limited visibility.
  • Note that Small sailboats (under 23 feet) share requirements with kayaks, rowboats, and canoes. So, during night time hours or during times of limited visibility, one must display a white light to avoid collision with other vessels.

Navigation Lights for Powered Vessels:

If a powerboat is Greater than 39.4 feet (12 meters), but less than 65.6 feet (20 meters), the following standards must be met:

(Figure D)

Boat Navigation Lights (Figure D)
  • A masthead light (a white light at the front of the boat). The masthead light needs to be visible across 225 degrees and from at least two miles away.
  • A pair of red and green side lights, each visible across 112.5 degrees and from a mile away.
  • A stern light (a white light at the rear of the boat). The stern light needs to visible across 135 degrees and from at least two miles away. The stern light and masthead light combine to make your vessel visible from 360 degrees.

Additionally, the masthead must be placed at least 8 feet above the gunnel. Refer to Figure D as an example of the proper configuration. These rules also apply to sailboats using a motor.

If a powerboat is less than 39.4 feet (12 meters), the following standards must be met:

(Figure E)

Boat Navigation Lights (Figure E)
  • One all-around white light which can be seen across 360 degrees and from two miles away.
  • One pair of red and green sidelights which are visible across 112.5 degrees and from one mile away.
  • Refer to Figure E for an example of the correct setup.

Similarly, powered vessels under 7 meters, with speeds under 7 knots, may feature a white all-around light that is visible from two miles away and, if possible, a pair of red and green sidelights in international waters only.

Additionally, the all-around white light must be positioned at least 39 inches above the sidelights. Refer to Figure A as an example of the proper configuration. Note that sailboat in Figure E is using a motor. Even if a sailboat is flying its sail it may still be under engine power, in which case, it is treated as a powered vessel. Therefore, it is vital to note the configuration of a vessel's navigation lights, and what they communicate about the vessel.

If a vessel is at anchor, the following standards must be met:

Boat Navigation Lights (Anchored Vessel)
  • When anchoring outside of a designated anchoring area, one must display a white all-around light that is visible across 360 degrees.

This covers the sizes of boats typically operated as a recreational boat. For larger vessels, refer to the U.S. Coast Guard Navigational Rules and Regulations Handbook.