Coast Guard Regulations For Small Boat Navigation Lights

Sailboats under power are considered powerboats and must follow under power rules.

Coast guard regulations for small boat navigation lights. Properly stowed. Uscg required navigation lighting west marine powerboats under 12 meters 39 4 feet in length must have separate or combined red and green sidelights covering 112 5 degrees and visible for 1 nautical mile. Navigation lights to meet coast guard requirements. For example the requirement for a boat manufacturer to notify owners and recall repair or replace defective boats defect notification appears in the.

That rule is quoted below as is the uscg site reference. These requirements can be enforced by the coast guard should you be boarded for a random safety inspection or by state boating safety officers or by a locality s marine police. Nothing beats a day on the water but a pleasant night cruise is a close contender. Navigation lights requirements depend on vessel size.

Coast guard approved check the label. Coast guard safety regulations booklet describes acceptable navigation lightning for different types of recreational boats. In good and serviceable condition. A 360 degree white all around masthead light with two mile visibility normally fulfills this requirement for most pleasure boats but familiarize yourself with and follow the rule.

Boats under sail under 20m 65 6 feet can substitute a tri color light for separate sidelights and stern lights. Federal executive departments such as the department of homeland security and administrative agencies such as the united states coast guard write regulations to implement the authority of laws. The inland rules have specific requirements as to anchor lights. The basic rule is that side lights a.

Larger boats are required to use lights with a higher visibility range and cannot combine sidelights into a single bi color light. You must have your navigation lights on between sunset and sunrise and during times of reduced visibility. Boat navigation lights help to ensure visibility to other boats when you are underway or anchored at night. Powerboats and sailboats when under power.

Some items that are not required but are a good idea to have with your life jacket are a whistle and an emergency light. The marking requirements for a documented recreational vessel state. Rowing sailboats and powerboats under 7m and under 7 knots can substitute a white lantern in place of the required lights. Navigation lights requirements vary depending on the length of the boat.

Appropriate size and type for the intended user. All sailors who go out on the water no matter how large or small their boats are required by law to carry minimum safety equipment.