Federal
Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats
Navigation Rules
Require vessels to display lights and shapes
under certain conditions.
Navigation Lights
Recreational
vessels are required to display navigation lights between
sunset and sunrise and other periods of reduced visibility
(fog, rain, haze, etc.). The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation
Rules, International-Inland, specifies lighting requirements
for every description of water craft. The information provided
is for power-driven and sailing vessels less than 65.5 feet/20
meters in length.
Power-driven Vessels
(Sail Vessel under machinery power is considered
a power-driven vessel).
If your power-driven vessel is less than
65.5 feet/20 meters in length, then it must display navigation
lights per Figure 1.
Figure 1
If your power-driven vessel is less than
39.4 feet/12 meters in length, then it may display navigation
lights per Figure 2.
Figure 2
If your power-driven vessel is less
than 23 feet/7 meters in length and its maximum speed cannot
exceed 7 knots, then it may display an all-round white light,
and if practicable, sidelights instead of the lights prescribed
previously. (For 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 1 meter above the sidelights.
Sidelights may be a combination light, instead
of two separate lights as shown in figures 2 and 5.
Sailing Vessels
If your sailing vessel is less than 65.6
feet/20 meters in length, then it must display navigation
lights as shown in Figures 3, 4, or 5.
Figure 3 |
Figure 4 |
Figure 5 |
If your vessel is less than 23 feet/7 meters
in length, then it should display lights for a sailboat (Figures
3,4,or 5, if practicle). As an option, your vessel may carry
an electric torch (flashlight) or lightened lantern that can
show a white light in sufficient time to prevent collision.
(see Figure 6)
Figure 6
Vessel Under Oars
If your vessel is under oars, then it should
display lights for a sailboat (Figures 3 or 4), if practicle.
As an option, your vessel your vessel may carry a flashlight
or lighted lantern that can show a white light in sufficient
time to prevent collision. (see Figure 7)
Figure 7
Lights and Shapes
To alert other vessels of conditions, which
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, then its anchor light is
an all-round white light visible where it can best be seen
from all directions. (Figure 8)
Figure 8
DURING THE DAY:
All vessels at anchor must display, forward where it can
be best seen, a black ball shape. (See Figure 9)
Figure 9
EXCEPTIONS:
If your vessel is less than 23 feet/7 meters in length,
then 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, then 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 Transportation.
Sailing Vessels Under Power (Machinery)
During the day, vessels under
sail also being propelled by machinery, must exhibit forward,
where best seen, a black conical shape with the apex pointing
down. (Figure 10)
Figure 10
EXCEPTION:
If your vessel is less than 39.4 feet/12 meters in length,
then it is not required to display the shape in Inland Waters.
REMINDER:
If you are operating your sail vessel at night using machinery
or sail and machinery, then your vessel must display lights
required for a power-driven vessel. (See figures 1 or 2)
Restricted Maneuverability
The Navigation
Rules require vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver
to display appropriate day shapes or lights. To meet
this requirement, if your vessel is engaged in diving activities
during the day, then it must exhibit a rigid replica of the
international code flag "Alpha" not less than 3.3
feet/ 1 meter in height. If the diving activities are at night,
then your vessel must display the navigation lights shown
in Figure 11. This requirement does not affect the use of
a red and white divers flag, which may be required by State
or local law to mark a diver's location. The "A"
flag is a navigation signal indicating your vessel's restricted
maneuverability and does not pertain to the diver.
Figure 11
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