Navigation Lights
Navigation Lights and related laws and/or requirements are defined pre 33 CFR 83
Navigation Lights Overview
Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc.) The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International-In-land, specifies lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. The information provided below is for power-driven and sailing vessels less than 65.5 feet (20 meters) in length.
Power-Driven Vessels
Note that a sail vessel under machine propulsion is considered a power-driven vessel.
If your power-driven vessel is less than 164 feet (50 meters) in length, it must display navigation lights as shown in Figure 1.
If your power-driven vessel is less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, then it may display navigation lights as shown in Figure2.
Figure 1
Figure 2
If your power-driven vessel is less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length and its maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots, then it may display an all around white light and, if possible, sidelights, instead of the lights prescribed previously. (International Rules only).
For power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, the masthead or all-round white light must be at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) above the sidelights. In a vessel of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, sidelights may be displayed in a combination light.
Sailing Vessels
If your sailing vessel is less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, than it must display navigation lights. A sailing vessel of less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length shall, if practicable, exhibit lights. If it does not, it shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern (flashlight) showing white light that shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
Vessel Under Oars
A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights for a sailboat. If it does not, it shall have ready at hand an electric torch (flashlight) or lighted lantern showing a white light that shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
Lights and Shapes
To alert other vessels of conditions that may be hazardous, there are requirements to display lights at night and shapes during the day.
Anchored Vessels
At night: All vessels at anchor must display anchor lights. If your vessel is less than 164 feet (50 meters) in length, than its anchor light is an all-round white light visible where it can best be seen from all directions.
During the day: All vessels at anchor must forward, where it can be best seen, a black ball shape.
EXCEPTIONS: If your vessel is less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length, it is not required to display an anchor light or shape unless it is anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway, or anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate. If your vessel is less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, it is not required to display an anchor light if it is anchored in inland waters in a special anchorage designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security
Sailing Vessels Under Power
During the day, vessels under sail that are also being propelled by machinery, must exhibit forward, where it can best be seen, a black conical shape with the apex pointing down.
EXCEPTIONS: If your vessel is less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, than it is not required to display the shape in inland waters
Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver
Navigation Rules require vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver to display appropriate day shapes (ball/diamond/ball) or lights. If the size of the vessel engaged in diving activities during the day make it impractical to display the day shapes, then it must exhibit a rigied replica of the international code flag "Alpha" not less than 3.3 feet (1 meter) in height to meet this requirment ( See Figure 1A). If the diving activities are at night then your vessel must display the navigation lights. This requirment does not affact the usa of a red and white U.S.A. Divers Flag (See Figure 2A)
Figure 1A
Figure 2A