What lights are boats required to have?

For powered boats less than 39.4 feet, or 12 meters, you need to have the following set of navigation lights.

• One all-around white light that you can see from 360 degrees and from two miles away;
• And one pair of red and green sidelights that are visible at 112.5 degrees and from one mile away.

What are the rules for lights 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.

When Should navigation lights be displayed on a boat?

Navigation lights must be used on any pleasure craft that operates from sunset to sunrise or during periods of restricted visibility.

What side do the lights go on a boat?

Red/Green/Bicolor Colored lights are always sidelights and the different color indicates the side. Red lights are located portside, and green are starboard. The lights shine from dead ahead to 112.5º aft on either side of the vessel. On some boats, sidelights can be combined into one bicolor light.

What is being signaled when you hear 3 short blasts?

One prolonged blast indicates you are getting under way, and three short blasts indicate you are backing up. This is what is sounded when you are departing a dock in reverse. Five Short Blasts – This is the DANGER signal.

Are navigation lights required on a boat?

Boat navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise, and at all times of reduced visibility. Marine lights indicate the size of vessel, its activity, and direction of travel.

What does the red and green light mean on a boat?

The red light indicates a vessel’s port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel’s starboard (right) side. Sternlight: This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel.

What should operators of small recreational boats?

Boat operators should always stay in the appropriate lane, and avoid crossing lanes whenever possible. Additionally, you should never anchor your boat in or near a shipping lane. To make your smaller boat more visible in these high traffic areas, pleasure craft operators should try to boat in groups.

When anchoring at night what lights should you display?

Anchored at night, the operator of a powerboat must display, from sunset to sunrise, in the fore part, an all-around white light. A powerboat anchored at night must display an all-around white light.

What does the green and red light mean on a boat?

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

Powerboat A: When only a white light is visible, you may be overtaking another vessel. Give way to either side. Powerboat B: You are being overtaken.