How to Recognize Navigation Lights

Any boat operating at night or in low-visibility conditions such as fog must run with lights. The placement of the lights not only tells other boats what kind of vessel is approaching, they also designate what the boat is doing. Anyone--yes, anyone--who operates on inland or coastal must follow the U.S. Coast Guard rules regarding navigation lights. The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International-Inland lay out lighting requirements for every description of watercraft. Although not mandatory for craft operating in-shore, it is a must-have for anyone who ventures out on the water.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Flashlight
• White light
• Green light
• Red light
• U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules

1. Look at the boat you are on or are approaching and find the lights. Power-driven vessels (which include sailboats running on engines) must show a red light to port and a green light to starboard forward, with a white light aft. Vessels more than 50 feet must show an all-around white masthead light as well.
2. For sailboats less than 65 feet, The Coast Guard recommends a second set of red and green lights at the top of the mast. The height of the lights identifies the boat as a sailboat.
3. Sailboats less than 20 feet or oar-powered boats such as kayaks, canoes or row-boats must display a single white torch.
4. Vessels at anchor must display an all-around white light at the masthead as well as a ball-shaped light forward.
5. A sailboat using sail and engine must display a conical-shaped white light, with the point facing down.

Tips & Warnings

• This how-to is for any craft 65 feet (20 meters) or less.
• Always show lights at night, even if it is a simple white torch.