For powered boats less than 39.4 feet, or 12 meters, you need to have the following set of navigation lights. One all-around white light that you can see from 360 degrees and from two miles away; And one pair of red and green sidelights that are visible at 112.5 degrees and from one mile away.
What navigation lights are required on a boat?
The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night. An all-round white light (if vessel is less than 39.4 feet long) or both a masthead light and a sternlight.
What lights are required on a boat under 23 feet?
Vessels Under Oars or Paddles and Sailboats Under 23 FT
If you are operating a sailboat that is less than 23 feet or 7 meters in length, you are only required to display a white light, such as a lantern or a flashlight, when operating between sunset and sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility.
What lights are required on a boat at night?
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 on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light and sternlight) must be visible from all directions in a 360-degree circle.
Do you need navigation lights on a small boat? – Related Questions
What does a single white light on a boat tell you?
If only a white light is visible, you may be approaching another craft from behind. You are the give-way-craft and must take early and substantial action to steer well clear by altering your course and passing at a safe distance on the starboard (right) or port (left) side.
When boating at night what does a single white light mean?
All-Round White Light: On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished.
What lights are required on a boat at night in Florida?
Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.).
Do I need an anchor light?
Displaying a proper anchor light when anchored at night isn’t merely a matter of law. It’s a matter of safety for you and others. Even if the boat is in a known or designated anchorage area, dinghies and other boats may be traveling in that area and will need to know the location of your boat.
Can I use headlights on my boat?
Boat headlights and driving lights are not required by the U.S. Coast Guard and on some water bodies are unlawful. Most boaters use headlights / driving lights on a temporary basis to be able to determine where they are located within a waterway or channel.
Where does the white light go on a boat?
A sternlight is a white light that is located at the stern of the boat and is only visible from behind the vessel. A masthead light is required on all power-driven vehicles. This white light shines forward and to both sides and must be displayed by all vessels 39.4 feet in length or longer when under engine power.
Which side do you pass an oncoming boat?
If you meet another boat head-on: Under the boating rules of the road, vessels approaching each other head-on are always supposed to pass each other port to port — or left to left, just like on the road.
What side do you pass a boat on at night?
How do you pass a boat at night? If two boats are in a head-on meeting, both red and green lights will be visible. Boats should always pass each other on the port side.
What does a blue light on a boat mean?
(a) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel’s navigation lights.
What does a yellow light on a boat mean?
When commercial vessels are towing or pushing a barge, they display one or more yellow lights in place of a sternlight.
What does a green flashing light on a boat mean?
A starboard mark is green with a cone-like shape and displays a green flashing light at night (when lit). When port and starboard lateral marks are opposite each other, travel between them. When there is a single. lateral mark, the safe side to pass depends.
What does orange flashing light on boat mean?
Flashing red light means stay well clear of the lock and do not enter. Allow plenty of room for boats to exit the lock. Flashing amber light means approach the lock at a safe speed and under full control. Flashing green light means enter the lock.
What are the 5 distress signals?
The signals are internationally recognised and must only be used if you are in distress.
Distress signals
- ‘mayday, mayday, mayday’ in emergencies only.
- ‘pan pan, pan pan, pan pan’ for urgent messages that aren’t emergencies.
- SOS in Morse code (using marine radio or another signalling method).
What does it mean when a vessel Exhibits 3 all round red lights in a vertical position?
A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, except a vessel engaged in mine clearance operations, shall exhibit: three all-round lights in a vertical line where they best can be seen.
What does a red light on a buoy mean?
The colors and numbers have the same meaning regardless of the kind of buoy or marker on which they appear. Red Colors, Red Lights, and Even Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream.
What side do you pass green buoy on?
A green can buoy means pass to the right, and a red nun buoy means pass to the left when moving upstream. A diamond shape with a “T” inside it on a buoy means “keep out.” Buoys with circles are control buoys, usually indicating speed limits.