What Lights Do You Need On A Boat?

The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night. An all-round white light (if vessel is less than 39.4 feet long) or both a masthead light and a sternlight.

Are boats required to have navigation lights?

Navigation Light Rules. Recreational boats operating at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise. Recent changes to the Inland Navigation Rules make them nearly identical to the International Rules, so we will describe the International Rules to simplify the choices.

What does a single white light on a boat tell you?

What Does a White Light Indicate? If only a white light is visible, you may be approaching another craft from behind. You are the give-way-craft and must take early and substantial action to steer well clear by altering your course and passing at a safe distance on the starboard (right) or port (left) side.

Do all boats need a stern light?

Every boat which is above 39.4 feet (12 meters) and less than 65.7 feet (20 meters) in length should have this stern light, and the visibility should be 2 miles. Boats (powerboats or sailboats) less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length no need to have stern light on the boat.

Can I have lights on my boat at night?

You are legally responsible for displaying lights of the proper color, intensity, location and visibility on your boat. You are required to display the appropriate lights at night or during times of reduced visibility.

What type of boat require navigation lights?

Powered recreational vessels, including sailboats while under power, are required to use the following navigation lights while operating between sunset and sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility.

What lights do you have to have on a boat?

The required lights are: Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night. An all-round white light (if vessel is less than 39.4 feet long) or both a masthead light and a sternlight.

What does a white light mean on a boat?

Powerboat A: When only a white light is visible, you may be overtaking another vessel. Give way to either side. Powerboat A: When white, red and green lights are visible, you are approaching a powerboat head-on. Give way to your starboard side.

What is the white light on a boat?

Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels.

When boating at night what does a single white light on a boat tell you quizlet?

Terms in this set (7) When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored. It is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You may go around it on either side.

Which of the following is a legal requirement for boat operation?

California Boating Laws and Regulations California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).

What is required on federally controlled waters?

Although not required on most state waters, sound-producing devices are required on federally controlled waters. Vessels that are 39.4 feet (12 meters) or more in length must have a sound-producing device that can produce an efficient sound signal.

How tall does a stern light have to be?

Your white stern light is supposed to be at least one meter above your green and red sidelights on the bow. Actually, the USCG regs say that the sidelights must be at least one meter below the stern light, but same difference.

Can you put headlights on a boat?

There is a natural tendency for a boater to want to use a searchlight or spotlight at night, just as one would use headlights on a car. But headlights won’t work on the water.

When should I turn on my boat lights?

Whenever you are operating between sunset and sunrise, or in other times of restricted visibility, such as in fog or rain, you need to display the appropriate navigation lights so that other boats can see you and take the appropriate action to avoid a collision.

What navigation lights are you required to display when anchoring your boat for the night?

If you are approaching an anchored craft, the anchored craft will be exhibiting an all-round white light to indicate to other boaters that their craft is at anchor. Remember: anchored boats should never display their green and red sidelights as these lights will indicate to other boaters that your craft is underway.