When should you use boat navigation?
Navigation lights must be used on any pleasure craft that operates from sunset to sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility. The navigation lights you are required to display depend on the following: The size of your boat. Whether your boat is power-driven, human-powered or sail-powered.
What are the rules for navigation on a boat?
So what are the basic navigation light rules? For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats.
What are the rules of the road for sailboats?
Following are the basic rules that apply to all sailboats in U.S. waters. Whenever two boats come close to each other, the rules designate one as the stand-on vessel and the other as the give-way vessel.
How tall does a sailboat have to be to have navigation lights?
A sailboat powering is considered a power boat and falls under in Rule 23. Under 23 feet (7 meters) – side lights and a stern light, possible. If these lights can not be displayed a light must be kept at hand to help avoid a collision. This can be a bright flashlight.
When do power boats have to give way?
When meeting head on, powerboats and personal water craft (PWC) users must turn starboard (right). When the wind is coming from different sides, the boat with the wind on the port (left) side has to give way. 3. Respect the give way rules When two boats are approaching each other, one has the right of way.
So what are the basic navigation light rules? For most small vessels, motoring requires red and green (port and starboard) lights, and a white light visible in all directions around the boat. This is almost always a stern light and a masthead light on sailboats.
When does a sailing vessel give way to a power vessel?
The only situation where a sailing vessel will be a give-way vessel is when it’s overtaking a power-vessel. Sailing vessels always give-way when overtaking and stand-on, if being overtaken.
When does a sailboat have the right of way?
When you’re approaching a vessel without motor power, such as a sailboat, they have the right of way. An important note — a sailboat must be “under sail” to qualify for the right of way over power-driven vessels.
A sailboat powering is considered a power boat and falls under in Rule 23. Under 23 feet (7 meters) – side lights and a stern light, possible. If these lights can not be displayed a light must be kept at hand to help avoid a collision. This can be a bright flashlight.