THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 22 - Visibility of Lights

The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an
intensity as specified in Section 8 of Annex 1 to these
Regulations so as to be visible at the following minimum
ranges:

(a)* fapplies to a vessel 50 meters or more in length}
(8) In vessels of 12 meters or more in length, but less
than 50 meters in length:

a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the
length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles

a sidelight, 2 miles;

a siernlight, 2 miles;

a towing light, 2 miles;

a white, red. green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles
(c) In vessels of less than 12 meters in length:

a masthead light, 2 miles;

a sidelight, 1 mile;

a sternlight, 2 miles;

a towing light, 2 miles;

a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles
(d) In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects
being towed:

a white all-round light, 3 mites.

THE BIGGER THE BETTER

During a recent trip to a powerboat show we
were surprised by the minimai size navigation
light fixtures many manufacturers are using, par-
ticularly on large, high performance boats capable
of speeds well in excess of 40 miles per hour.
Several of the high performance boats were
equipped with the same minimum size combina-
tion sidelight fixtures as were used on much
smaller, non-planing boats.

On a dark night with a clear atmosphere naviga-
tion lights tell boat operators something about
each other’s size, speed, relative course and kind
of boat. More importantly, using their knowledge
of navigation light displays, other vessel operators
can properly apply the Rules of the Road. The
Navigation Rules donot specify standards govern-
ing visibility based upon sizes of navigation light
fixtures. Rather, visibility is expressed in terns of
luminous intensity, i.e., range of visibility in nau-
tical miles.

A power driven vessel less than 12 meters in
length may display:

(a) A white masthead light visible two nautical
miles, separate or combined sidelights visible one

nautical mile, and a white sternlight visible 2
nautical miles; or

(b) A white all-round light visible two nautical
miles and separate or combined sidelights visible
one nautical mile.

In many situations which require vessel opera-
tors to properly apply the Rules of the Road,
navigation lights compete with the lights on other
vessels, and with shore lights which have much
greater ranges of visibility. A boat moving at 60
miles per hour is covering a mile in one minute. If
the brightest navigation light such a boat displays
is visible for as little as two nautical miles, there
will be many situations where boat operators have
less than two minutes to determine the size and
speed of an approaching vessel and to take what-
ever steps might be necessary to avoid a collision.
Allowable reaction time would be even shorter in
confined waterways, heavy traffic, poor visibility
and confusing shore lights. Instant maneuvering
decisions must be made in these situations, and
navigation lights must indicate relative course and
vessel type at a glance.

We remind all boat manufacturers about the
increasing numbers of high speed boats in use on
our nation's waters. We urge all boat builders,
particularly any builder of a boat that is faster than
40 miles per hour, to use at least the next higher
minimum luminous intensity when selecting navi-
gation light fixtures. We urge any owners replac-
ing navigation lights, particularly those in con-
gested areas and waters frequented by operators of
high performance boats, to use larger and brighter
navigation lights.

The main reasons why boat manufacturers use
only the minimum size navigation light fixtures
ace probably because of esthetics or to reduce
glare. Some manufacturers have begun offering
retractable cleats. No violation exists between
sunrise and sunset if a vessel has no lights or does
not exhibit them. We believe it is also possible to
design retractable navigation light fixtures. A
large retractable fixture would be invisible during
the day and could be fitted with screens that
prevent glare when a vessel is operated at night.

As the average speeds at which recreational
boats are operated increases, there's no question.
When selecting navigation lights, the bigger -- the
better.

Boating Safety Circular 5


VESSELS UNDER POWER - PROBLEMS IN THE FIELD

All-round lights: A boat's all-round (32 poiot,

360 degree) white running light is the inost
umportant of asmall boat's navigation lights because
it can be seen from any direction. The most
common problem associated with this light is that
it is frequently mounted on a staff that is too short.
Asa result, the light is obscured when the vessel is
underway because of the tendency of the bow to
rise when the boat is moving, or the light is
obscured by canvas tops or other equipment owners
add after purchasing a boat.

The most common type of all-round white light
fixture features a telescopic staff attached near the
stern of the boat. During the day the boat operator
can lower the light fixture to where it is flush with
the deck or gunwale and out of the way. The
telescopic staff is a practical feature for the boat
operator who wants the light fixture out of the way
while trolling, docking or performing other

maneuvers. At dusk the boat operator loosens a
threaded sleeve, pulls up the rod and tightens the
sleeve again. Unfortunately, the actual height to
which the staff can be extended is usually dictated
by the distance from the top of the gunwale to the
deck beneath it.

If the all-round light is obscured from any
direction, while at rest or underway, or by any part
of the boat structure or its equipment, owners are
urged to buy a longer staff, even if it will require
the use. of a removable staff, rather than one which

telescopes. Owners are also urged to remember to

. fully extend the staff when turing on their boats’

running lights.

Combination masthead light and anchor light:
Somme navigation light fixtures consist of acombina-
tion masthead light and anchor light. The fixture can
be carried on any vessel less than 50 meters inlength.
When underway, the masthead light sector (225°) in
the fixture is switched on and displayed with side-
lights and a sternlight (135°) in a separate fixture.
When at anchor, the 135 degree aft sector of the
combination masthead light and anchor light is
switched on creating an anchor light and the side-
lights and stemlight are tumed off. The combination
masthead light and anchor light is being improperly
used because both sectors are being turned on in
addition to a stemlight when the vessel is underway.
Consequently, two white lights are seen when the
vessel is viewed from astem, instead of the single

required stemlight.
Combination sidelight fixtures on_bass_boats:

Many bass boats are equipped with a combination
sidelight fixture mounted on the stem. Dealers and
owners who later add electric trolling motors must
make sure the combination sidelight fixture is still
visible.

White

Green

mB

8 Boating Safety Circular


SEPARATE SIDE LIGHTS

225 by
Red
Right ahead parallel to vessel's

—* fore and al centerline

wenn __ » Right ehead paratel to vessels
LA fore and alt centerline
vost Green

COMBINED SIDE LIGHT FIXTURE

Right ahead on fore and
aft centerline of the vessel

THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 21 - Definitions:

(e) "All-round light" means a light showing an unbroken
light over an arc of the harizon of 360 degrees.”

” ALL-ROUND LIGHT

White on power-driven vessals less than 12 meters

THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 21 - Definitions:

(c) “Sternlight” means a white light placed as nearly as
practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over
an are of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to
show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of
the vessel.

{d) “Towing light” means a yellow light having the
same characteristics as the “sternlight” defined in
paragraph (c) of this Rule.

Notes:

The Rules allow for a maximum of six degrees of
biockage by masts, topmasts or structures.

Asalling vessel less than 20 meters inlength underway
under sali may display a red and a green all-round light
carried In a vertical line (Rule 25(c)). Such displays are
rare because of the additional power drain and the
required minimum one meter separation above the
uppermost sail.

Ahovercreft In the non-displacement mode (hovering)
displays a flashing yellow all-round light.

STERN LIGHT

As nearly as
practicable
at the stern

a

Note: According to the Navigation Rules, a power
driven vessel underway that Is less than 12 meters
(39.36 feet} in length may exhibit a masthead light,
sidelights and a sterniight, or an all-round white light
and sidelights. Most bullders of boats less than 20
feet in length install lights in the latter configuration.
Since the all-round light on these boets Is usually
Installed near the stern, many people refer to them as
sternlights.

(Rare)

Vertical Separation of Two Lights
Canied in a Vertical Line

{ealling vessel Jess than 20 meters
underway under sall, for example)

4 Boating Safety Circular


VESSELS UNDER POWER

THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 23 - Power-driven Vessels Underway

{a) A power-driven vessel underway shail exhibit:

{i) a masthead light forward;

{ti) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than
the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50
meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light
but may do so;

(iii) sidelights;

(iv) a sternlight.

(b) An air cushion vessel when operating in the non- °
displacement mode [i.e., hovering] shall, in addition to
the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule,
exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light.

(c)i) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in
length may in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph
(a) of this Rule exhibit an all-round white light and
sidelights;

Vessels Less Than 12 Meters in Length

Underway Under Power'

’ Note: Powered vessels less than 12 meters In
length may display any of the arrays Illustrated on
this page.

Inland or International

Sailboat under power

Vessels Less Than 20 Meters in Length

Underway Under Power!
1 Note: A salling vessel underway under both sail and
under power Is consideréd a powered vessel.

Inland or International

Sailboat under power

White

6 Boating Safety Circular


VESSELS UNDER SAIL

THE NAVIGATION RULES

RULE 25 - Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels
Under Oars

(a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

(i) sidelights;

(ii) a sternlight
(b) Ina sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length
the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule may
be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of
the mast where it can best be seen.
(c) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the
lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit at
or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen,
two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being
red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be
exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern
permitted by paragraph (b) of this Rule.
(d}{i) A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length
shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in
paragraph (a} or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she
shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted
lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in
sufficient time to prevent collision.

Sailing Vessels Less Than 20 Meters In
Length Underway Under Sail
inland or International

Tricolor light vs. sidelights and stern light: Be-
cause the tricolor light allowed onsailing vessels less
than 20 meters under sail is displayed higher than
sidelights and a stemlight, it is more visible from
long distances. Thus the tricolor light is recom-
mended for offshore sailors because large vessels
can see it better. Although their lower display makes
sidelights and a stemlight less visible, they give
other vessel operators a better perception of vessel
size and relative distance in crowded waterways.

Sailing Vessels Less Than 20 Meters In
Length Underway Under Sail
inland or International

Salling Vessels Less Than 20 Meters In
Length Underway Under Sail
inland or International

Salling Vessels Less Than 7 Meters in
Length

Note: The operator of a
satling vessel less than 7
meters In length should
shine the light on the
vessel's sails when an
approaching vessel Is

sighted.

Boating Safety Circular


U.S. Department
of Transportation

United States
Coast Guard

Boating Safety

JUNE 1993

Circular 75

What navigation lights must the operator of a 19-foot
powerboat display on inland waters at night?

What navigation lights must the operator of a 40-foot
cabin cruiser display on international waters during
periods of reduced visibility, such as in fog or heavy rain?

What navigation lights must the operator of a 36-foot
sailboat display in international waters at night when
underway under both a mainsail and an auxiliary engine?

What type of vessel may carry two all-round lights in a
vertical fine at the top of the mast, the upper one red and the
lower one green, in addition to sidelights and a sternlight?

We'd be surprised if many of our readers knew alll
the correct answers and didn't have to consult acopy
of the Navigation Rules or some other source of
boating safety information. There are many boat
operators who, for various reasons, choose to
ignore the significance of navigation lights to
maritime safety. Our examinations at the boat
shows also indicate that there are builders of boats
who do not make things any easier for those who
go boating at night and have to be able to determine
whether they are the “Stand-on" orthe "Give-way"
vessel in crossing or passing situations.

We are therefore beginning this issue with an
article about the Rules as they apply to navigation
lights required for vessels less than 20 meters* (65.6
feet) in length. Locluded ave discussions of the
various operator or manufacturer noncompliances
we have observed, and a review of articles covered
in previous issues of the Boating Safety Circular.

* Those sections in the Navigation Rules involving
larger vessels,vessels being pushed or towed, fishing
vessels, etc, are marked with an asterisk and were
omitted from this article for the sake of brevity.

Federal law requires the display of navigation
lights on all vessels operating between sunset and
sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility.
Under ordinary conditions they tell boat operators
something about each other’s size, speed, course,
kind of boat (sail, power, etc.) and mode of opera-
tion. Navigation lights also enable vessel operators
to properly apply the Navigation Rules.

Although it is the boat operator’s responsibility to
carry and use navigation lights, most manufacturers
choose to install them or offer them as optional
equipment. However, during factory and boat show
inspections Coast Guard standards personnel fre-
quently observe that many manufacturers of rec-
reational boats do not have a good understanding
of the Rules governing proper installation of navi-
gation lights. Some manufacturers are installing
navigation lights which do not meet the require-
ments of the International or the Inland Rules.

Boat buyers and boat owners assume that the
equipment installed on their boats at the time of
purchase complies with all legal requirements. De-
ficient, shoddy and improperly installed equipment
seriously endangers their lives as well as the lives of
others who operate their boats at night.

In order to reduce the dangers to which the mem-
bers of the boating public are exposed, under Coast
Guard Recreational Boating Standards policy, both
the boat manufacturer and the dealer are responsible

Inside:

ABYC Recommended Seating Locations 22
Changes to RVF Requirements 24
Withdrawal Notice: First Purchaser Info 26
Recall Campaigns 27
Determining the Correct Vessel Length 32
Revised Consumer Fact Sheet 35


VESSELS UNDER POWER - PROBLEMS IN THE FIELD

<a

Sidelights: One navigation light installation
error which Coast Guard inspectors frequently
find is the installation of flush mounted sidelights
in the forward part of the hull of a boat, usually
below the rubrail. As aresult, the lights are installed
“cross-eyed” and the operator of an approaching
vessel] may be confused about the relative direction
in which these boats are travelling causing maneu-
vering errors.

Positioning: Sidelight fixtures must be installed
parallel with the fore and aft centerline of the
vessel and arranged to show an unbroken light
from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam, a
total sector arc of 112.5 degrees. Sidelights that are
installed in the contour of the bow without provid-
ing a mounting surface tooled to be parallel with
the fore and aft centerline of the vessel are not in
compliance with the Inland or International Navi-

gation Rules. Depending on the breadth of the
vessel near the bow and how far aft from the
vessel’s stem the lights are mounted, this shift can
be more than 20 degrees in some cases. Either fit
wedge-shaped blocks between the fixture and the
hull so as to make them parallel to the centerline of
the vessel, or move the fixtures further aft where
the curvature of the hull isn't so pronounced.
However, installing the fixtures too far aft of the
vessel's stem may result in the sidelights not being
visible from a position dead ahead. Also, most of

these flush mounted sidelights are installed below
the vessel’s rub rail. Intemational Navigation
Rules require that sidelights be installed above the
uppermost continuous deck. Therefore this con-
figuration is not in compliance with International
Navigation Rules.

Intensity: Another factor in proper installation
of sidelights on a power-driven vessel is that they
niust maintain their required minimum intensity in
avertical sector from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees
below the horizontal. They must also maintain at
least 60 percent of their minimum required inten-
sity from 7.5 degrees above to 7.5 degrees below
the horizontal. For vessels under sail, sidelights
must maintain their required minimum intensity in
avertical sector from 5 degrees above to 5 degrees
below the horizontal and at least 50 percent of their
minimum required intensity from 25 degrees above
to 25 degrees below the horizontal to allow for
heel. Installing flush mounted sidelights, designed
to be mounted to a vertical surface in the hull
contour, without providing a mounting surface
tooled to be vertical, shifts the vertical coverage
sector. This also results in a noncompliance with
the Navigation Rules.

The illustrations show examples of this type of
installation. Many manufacturers use similar side-
light installations, This is a dangerous trend which
is likely to end up costing somebody a pile of
money when a plaintiff's attorneys go after every-
one who might be liable for a serious collision.

Visibility of stemlight: Some owners install
davits on the stem of their boats to allow them to
raise and carry a dinghy. Others rest the dinghy on
its side on a swim platform. While these owners no
longer have to tow the dinghy, many such
installations fail to account for the fact that when
the dinghy is aboard, it blocks visibility of the
sternlight by an overtaking vessel.

Boating Safety Circular 7


for the adequacy of navigation lights
that the manufacturer installs at the
factory or the dealer installs. Any
manufacturer or dealer who installs
navigation lights prior to offering a
boat for sale must:

(a) Install lights that satisfy the re-
quirements of the International Rules,
or

(b) Install lights that satisfy the Fed-
eral requirements of the Inland Rules;
or

(c) Be able to prove that failure to
install lights in a legal configuration
was the result of a specific order to the
contrary from the buyer.

Under this policy, boats that are manu-
factured with installednavigation lights
that do not meet either Federal or inter-

_ national requirements, contain a defect

coer

Shipped Without

Dealerwould be considered the manufacturer’ fortailure
to install lights in compliance with the Navigation Rules.

Dealer Installs Ughts |
in Noncompllence,

that creates a substantial risk of per-

sonal injury to the public. Thus, such boats are
subject to the defect notification requirements in
46 U.S.C. 4310. This policy is in the best interests
of both the boat manufacturers, dealers and the
boating public.

THE NAVIGATION RULES

The International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) became effec-
tive on July 15, 1977. The 72 COLREGS apply to
all vessels upon the high seas and in all connecting
waters navigable by seagoing vessels. They are
published as regulations in Appendix A to Part 81
of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

The Inland Navigation Rules were enacted by
law on December 24, 1980, and became effective
for all inland waters except the Great Lakes on
December 24, 1981. The Inland Rules became
effective on the Great Lakes on March 1, 1983.
Rules 1 through 38 apply to all vessels used upon
the inland waters of the United States, and to
vessels of the United States on the Canadian
waters of the Great Lakes, to the extent that there
is no conflict with Canadian law. Three Annexes
to the Rules which cover navigation lights were
published as regulations in Parts 81, 84 and 89 of
Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

A vessel operating on the waters of the United
States may carry the lights prescribed by the
Intemational Rules (72 COLREGS) or the Inland
Rules. It is important to note that with the excep-
tion of Annex V to the Inland Rules (Pilot Rules),
the International and Inland Rules and Annexes
are very similar in both content and format.

The Coast Guard publishes a manual, "Naviga-
tion Rules, International - Inland" (COMDTINST
M16672.2B) which contains both the Interna-
tional and the Inland Rules. The manual contains
requirements for navigation lights, shapes, sound
signals, and maneuvering rules that must be fol-
lowed by U.S. vessels navigating the high seas
and U.S. inland waters.

Acopy of the Navigation Rules must be carried
on vessels (both commercial and recreational) 12
meters (39.4') or more in length.

US, Department
of Tromportanon
United Stoter
Count Guard

See Changes to the
Rules on Page 31.

NAVIGATION RULES

See order form on
Page 35

2 . Boating Safety Circular


THE NAVIGATION RULES - INTERNATIONAL
RULE | - Application

(a) These Rules shail apply to all vessels upon the high
seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by
seagoing vessels,

(b) Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the
operation of special rules made by an appropriate
authority for roadsteads, harbors, rivers, lakes or
inland waterways connected with the high seas and
navigable by seagoing vessels. Such special rules shall
conform as closely as possible to these Rules.

(c)*
THE NAVIGATION RULES - INLAND
RULE I - Application

(a) These Rules apply to all vessels upon the inland
waters of the United States, and to vessels of the United
States on the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes to the
extent that there is no conflict with Canadian law,
(b)(i) These Rules constitute special rules made by an
appropriate authority within the meaning of Rule 1(b)
of the International Regulations.

(b)(ii) All vessels complying with the construction and
equipment requirements of the International
Regulations are considered to be in compliance with
these Rules.

(c)*

Since a vessel complying with the International
Rules is considered to be in compliance with
the Inland Rules, the remaining references in
the italic type face in the material in the this
article, are taken from the International Rules.

THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 20-Application:

{a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all
weathers.

(b) The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with
from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other
lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be
mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not
impair their visibility or distinctive character. or
interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.

(c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried,
also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted
visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances
when it is deemed necessary.

(d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with

by day.

The excerpts of the Navigation Rules as they relate.
to navigation lights for various size vessels are
stated in metric terms, i.e. meters vs. feet. The
following conversion table may be helpful in

understanding the Rules:

Metric Measure U.S. Measure
20 meters 65.6 ft

12 meters 39.4 ft

7 meters 23.0 ft

(e) The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall
comply with the provisions of Annex I to these
Regulations.

THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 21 - Definitions:

(a) “Masthead light” means a white light placed over
the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an
unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees
and so affixed as to show the light from right ahead to
22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

MASTHEAD LIGHT

‘White

|. _ » Right ahead on fore and aft
centerline of the vessel

Note: Under the Inland Rules, on a vessel of less

than 12 meters In length, the masthead light shalt

be placed "as nearly as practicable to the fore and
ait centerline of the vessel.”

THE NAVIGATION RULES
RULE 21 - Definitions:

(b) “Sidelights” means a green light on the starboard
side and a red light on the port side each showing an
unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5
degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right
ahead to 22,5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective
side. Ina vessel of less than 20 meters in length, the
sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the
fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

Note: Same for the Inland Rules, except that ona
vessel of less than 12 meters in length, the sidelights
when combined In one lantern, shall be placed as

nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of
the vessel.

Boating Safety Circular 3