Navigation Lights

Navigation lights must be shown if a vessel is in operation:

• between sunset and sunrise
• in restricted visibility

Navigation lights indicate:

• the size of the ship
• the angle where you see them
• the direction the ship is travelling
• if the ship is anchored

Most recreational vessels less than 30 feet long should have navigation lights. The arc and color of the lights determines the direction the vessel is traveling. These lights must be seen from a minimum distance and have a certain arc through which they can be seen. Check out the following lighting requirements for recreational vessels less than 12 meters in length (approximately 39.4').

When boating at night remember the following: "When two lights you see ahead, turn your helm and show your red".