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Boating Safety
Night Running
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise (hours vary by state) must use navigational
lights. Nighttime operation, especially during bad weather or fog can be dangerous. All
“Rules of the Road” apply at night, but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats,
regardless of who has right of way. Protect your night vision by avoiding bright lights
and have a passenger, if possible, help keep watch for other boats, water hazards and aids
to navigation. It is best to proceed slowly at night, as there is always the possibility of
unlit boats, floating objects, and fixed objects which will be very difficult to see in time
to avoid if you are at planing speeds or above.
There are many light patterns on different types of boats and for boats performing various
functions while underway or at anchor. For most applications on recreational boats the
following navigation light patterns are applicable.
Motorboats less than 20 meters (65.62 feet) shall exhibit
navigation lights as shown in Figure 1.
(Note: Two masthead lights are optional for boats under
50 meters. Boats over 50 meters (164 feet) will display
two masthead lights.)
Motorboats of less than 12 meters (39 feet 4 inches) in
length, may show the lights in either Figure 1 or
Figure 2.
Boats of less than 7 meters (23 feet) whose maximum
speed cannot exceed 7 knots may exhibit an all-around
white light, and if practicable sidelights instead of the
lights prescribed above, in international waters only.
Figure 1
Figure 2
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