Figure 1
 |
Power Driven Vessels
Power driven vessels of less than 20 meters shall exhibit navigation lights as shown
in Figure 1. (Note: 2 masthead
lights are optional for vessels under 50 meters. Vessels over 50 meters will display two
masthead lights.) |
Figure 2
 |
Vessels of less than 12 meters in length, may
show the lights in either Figure 1 or Figure 2.
Power driven vessels of less than 7 meters 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 3
 |
Sailing Vessels and Vessels Under Oars
Sailing vessels less than 20 meters may exhibit the navigation lights shown in Figures
3 or 4. |
Figure 4
 |
|
Figure 5
 |
Another option for sailboats is to use a single
combination lantern at the top of the mast as shown in Figure 5. |
Figure 6
 |
Sailing vessels less than 7 meters may carry an
electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light to be displayed in sufficient time
to prevent collision (see Figure 6 - left picture). If practicable, the lights prescribed
for sailing vessels less than 20 meters should be displayed. |
| Vessels under oars may display the
lights prescribed for sailing vessels, but if not, must have ready at hand an electric
torch or lighted lantern showing a white light to be displayed in sufficient time to
prevent collision (see Figure 6 - right picture). |
Shapes and Lights
To alert other vessels of conditions which may be hazardous, there are requirements to
display lights at night and shapes during the day.
|
Figure 7
 |
Anchored Vessels
Power driven vessels and sailing vessels at anchor must display anchor lights. An
anchor light for a vessel less than 50 meters in length is an all-around white light
visible for 2 miles exhibited where it can best be seen (see Figure 7). |
Figure 8
 |
Vessels at anchor shall exhibit forward where
best seen, a ball shape (see Figure 8). Vessels less than 7 meters are not required to display anchor
lights or day shapes unless anchored in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or
where other vessels normally navigate. |
| Anchor lights are not required on
vessels less than 20 meters, anchored in special anchorages in inland waters designated by
the Secretary of Transportation. |
Figure 9
 |
Sailing Vessels Under Power
Vessels under sail also being propelled by machinery, must exhibit
forward where best seen, a conical shape with the apex pointing down (see Figure 9).
Vessels less than 12 meters are not required to exhibit the dayshape in inland waters.
|
| Sailing vessels operating under
machinery, or under sail and machinery are considered power driven and must display the
lights prescribed for a power driven vessel. |
Figure 10
 |
Restricted Maneuverability
The Navigation Rules require vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver to
display appropriate day shapes or lights. To meet this requirement, recreational vessels
engaged in diving activities may exhibit a rigid replica of the international code flag
"A" not less than one meter in height or at night display the navigation lights
shown in Figure 10. |
| This requirement does not affect the
use of a red and white divers flag which may be required by state or local law to mark a
diver's location. The "A" flag is a navigation signal indicating the vessel's
restricted maneuverability and does not pertain to the diver. |
Section 2b - Required
Equipment
