Navigation Light Equipment
There will be mornings when the water looks like glass and you’ll want to head out for an early fishing trip. Or, you may return from visiting a friend’s cabin after sunset, or a heavy layer of fog may roll in while you’re out exploring a new area of the lake. These scenarios are not unlikely, and for that reason, you’re required to display the proper navigation light equipment when your boat is underway or when it’s at anchor. Using your navigation lights correctly will help keep the waterways a safe and relaxing place to spend your time.
Navigation Light Types
Masthead Light:
Color: White.
Arc: Shows a solid light over a sweep of 225° from the front of the boat to 22.5° on either side of the bow.
Position: Centered in the boat, facing forward. On common powerboats, this light is often on a short pole on top of the cabin, windshield or at the stern.
Port Sidelight:
Color: Red.
Arc: Showing an unbroken light over an arc of 112.5° that is visible to other boats approaching from the port (left) side or from head-on.
Position: Forward, left area of the boat.
Starboard Sidelight:
Color: Green.
Arc: Showing an unbroken light over an arc of 112.5° that is visible to other boats approaching from the starboard (right) side or from head-on.
Position: Forward, right area of the boat.
Sternlight:
Color: White.
Arc: Shows an unbroken light over an arc of 135°.
Position: Placed at the stern (back) of the boat.
All-around Light:
Color: White.
Arc: Shows a solid light over 360° (all around the boat)
Position: Clearly visible from all directions
Note: The all-around light functions as a combined masthead and sternlight–this light must be visible in all directions and must be at least 1 m higher than the sidelights.
Tricolor Light:
Color: Green, red and white.
Arc: Combined, the light is a 360° view. The white section is at the stern (135°), the red section is portside and extends to the bow (112.5°) and the green section is on the starboard side extending to the bow (112.5°)
Position: It is placed where it can be seen from all directions
Note: This light combines the stern and sidelights and is applicable only to wind-powered sailboats. The tricolor light can be used in place of the side lights/sternlight combination but must not be used when the sidelights are on. Either option is acceptable when used on its own.
Towing Light:
A towing boat that is 30 feet in length or longer must display two white masthead lights on top of each other at night to indicate that it’s towing another boat. Use this rhyme to remember: White over white, towing at night!
Law Enforcement Light:
If you should see a flashing blue light on the water, this is a law enforcement boat and you should be careful to stay out of its way. Use this rhyme to remember: Flashing blue could rescue you!
Navigation Lights for Different Boats
You are required to display your navigation lights whenever you’re operating your boat between sunset and sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility. Boat accident statistics indicate that nighttime collisions account for a significant portion of the total fatal and non-fatal collisions that happen every year. For the most recent lighting requirements available for recreational boaters, visit the Coast Guard’s website: www.uscgboating.org
Safe Boating Tip:
When purchasing a flashlight for your boat, make sure it’s watertight and always check the condition of the batteries before you leave the dock.