One of the most important safety systems on your boat is your set of navigation lights.
Virginia boat navigation light requirements.
Powerboats and sailboats when under power.
Navigation lights requirements depend on vessel size.
The basic rule is that side lights a.
During these times no other lights that could be mistaken for lights specified in the rules of the road can be displayed nor any lights that impair the visibility or distinctive character of navigation lights or interfere with the keeping of a proper.
All boats whether used for commercial purposes or for pleasure boating must comply with the regulations concerning lighting.
The common lighting configurations for recreational vessels are discussed in this course.
The inland rules have specific requirements as to anchor lights.
I was sitting in the garage the other day admiring my boat when i noticed the green navigation light on the side of the hull and it dawned on me that i haven t had the boat out after sunset yet.
Navigation lights should be fitted by the manufacturer or an authorised person.
These lights tell other boat operators what your boat is doing whether it is at anchor under sail or motoring.
No other lights shall be exhibited that could impair the visibility of required running lights or impair the visibility of approaching vessels.
Several rules and specifications are related to the type size layout arc and distance of visibility of boat navigation lights used by all vessel types which are collectively known as the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea or colregs the navigational lights used are known as colreg lights and shapes.
It is crucial the lights on your boat be placed and displayed appropriate to the size and class of your boat.
Navigation lights requirements vary depending on the length of the boat.
The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel.
Vessels are required to show the proper navigation lights from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions good and bad.
For other configurations and requirements for larger vessels see the uscg s navigation rules.
Smaller boats have a number of options including bracketed or combination suction capped lights.
Larger boats are required to use lights with a higher visibility range and cannot combine sidelights into a single bi color light.
These types of navigation lights are available from marine dealers.
It also got me wondering about the different places i d like to travel this summer and what it would be like to navigate in the dark if i had to.
If the boat is underway or anchored.
That rule is quoted below as is the uscg site reference.
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.
Minimum required lights sailboats underway.
