When should I turn on my boat running lights?
Vessel operators must make sure that their vessels are equipped with the proper navigation lights and use the lights during these conditions:
- When away from the dock between sunset and sunrise.
- During periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain.
What are the rules for lights on a boat?
Navigation Light Rules
- Port sidelights are red, starboard sidelights are green and both shine from dead ahead to 112.5° aft on either side.
- Stern lights are white and shine aft and 67.5° forward on each side.
- All-round lights are white and shine through 360°.
Are lights required on a boat?
Remember that if you’re operating a human-powered boat at night, you’re required to have a working, electric torch, flashlight or lighted lantern showing a white light (this rule applies if the boat cannot be equipped with standard navigation lights.).
What side do boat lights go on?
Sidelights: These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel’s port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel’s starboard (right) side.
When do you need to have navigation lights on a boat?
Boats are required to have navigation lights. Navigation lights are required whenever you are operating your vessel between sunset and sunrise, or during any other times when your visibility is restricted from elements such as fog or rain.
Is it legal to have blue LED lights on a boat?
When it comes down to it, the minimum USCG lighting for a vessel under way at night is the only legal lighting. It says, “no other lights shall be exhibited” then follows it up with a “but” which creates a feeling of compromise. In my opinion, blue LED lights can’t be confused with the navigation lights.
When do you need to put a white light on your boat?
When your boat is at anchor, but you are not in a designated anchoring area, like at a marina, you need to make sure that you are visible to other boats that may be operating nearby. When anchoring in these areas, you are required to display an all-around white light where it will be best seen by any other boats in the area.
What kind of lights can you use on a sailboat?
According to the Collision regulations an operator of a power driven vessel of more than 12 metres in length, and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise: sternlight (white). The operator of a sailboat operating under sails at night shall, from sunset to sunrise, display:
Boats are required to have navigation lights. Navigation lights are required whenever you are operating your vessel between sunset and sunrise, or during any other times when your visibility is restricted from elements such as fog or rain.
What to do if your boat lights go out?
If your boat lights become inoperable, you’ll at least have one light that you can signal with. Should you find yourself on the water at night in a disabled boat, your flashlight may be the only thing keeping you from being crashed into. Light Rules For Boats at Anchor
When your boat is at anchor, but you are not in a designated anchoring area, like at a marina, you need to make sure that you are visible to other boats that may be operating nearby. When anchoring in these areas, you are required to display an all-around white light where it will be best seen by any other boats in the area.
What kind of light do you need on a non powered boat?
A non-powered vessel includes sailing vessels and all other types of vessels that don’t have motors such as paddled, poled, or rowed. Vessel length: Under 7 meters (23 FT.) You are required to display a white light that can be seen by other boats. White light could consist of a flashlight, torchlight, or lantern.