Pennsylvania Code › Title 58 - RECREATION › Part II - FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION › Subpart C - BOATING › Chapter 95 - MANUFACTURER INSTALLED EQUIPMENT › Section 95.3 - Lights for boats

Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 28, July 13, 2024
(a)
General rule
. The navigation lights requirements in this
				  section shall be complied with in all weather from sunset to sunrise on the
				  waters of this Commonwealth. During these times other lights may not be
				  exhibited, except lights that cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in
				  this section, lights that do not impair their visibility or distinctive
				  character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper lookout. The lights
				  prescribed in this section must, if carried, be exhibited from sunrise to
				  sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances
				  when it is deemed necessary. The lights specified in this section must comply
				  with United States Coast Guard specifications.
(b)
Definitions.
The
				  following words and terms, when used in this section, have the following
				  meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
All-round light
-A light showing an
					 unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360°.
Docking light
-A flood or spotlight type of
					 light permanently installed or permanently mounted on a motorboat that is used
					 to illuminate a boat's forward course of travel.
Flashing light
-A light flashing at regular
					 intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.
Masthead light
-A white light placed over
					 the fore and aft centerline of the boat showing an unbroken light over an arc
					 of the horizon of 225° and fixed as to show the light from right ahead to
					 22.5° abaft the beam on either side of the boat, except that on a boat of
					 less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, the masthead light must be placed as
					 nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the boat.
Restricted visibility
-A condition in
					 which visibility is restricted by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms,
					 sandstorms or other similar causes.
Sailboat
-A boat under sail provided that
					 propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.
Sidelights
-A green light on the starboard
					 (right) side and a red light on the port (left) side, each showing an unbroken
					 light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5° and fixed as to show the light
					 from right ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on its respective side. On a boat
					 of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, the side lights may be combined
					 in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the boat. On a boat of
					 less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, the sidelights when combined in one
					 lantern must be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline
					 of the boat.
Special flashing light
-A yellow light
					 flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute,
					 placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft
					 centerline of the tow and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon
					 of not less than 180° nor more than 225° and fixed as to show the light
					 from right ahead to abeam and no more than 22.5° abaft the beam on either
					 side of the boat.
Sternlight
-A white light placed as nearly
					 as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the
					 horizon of 135° and fixed as to show the light 67.5° from right aft on
					 each side of the boat.
Underway
-A boat that is not at anchor,
					 made fast to the shore or aground.
(c)
Visibility of
				  lights.
-The lights prescribed in this section must have an intensity
				  as specified by the United States Coast Guard so as to be visible at the
				  following minimum ranges:
(1) In a boat of 164
				  feet (50 meters) or more in length: a masthead light, 6 miles; a sidelight, 3
				  miles; a sternlight, 3 miles; a towing light, 3 miles; a white, red, green or
				  yellow all-round light, 3 miles; and a special flashing light, 2
				  miles.
(2) In a boat of 39.4 feet
				  (12 meters) or more in length but less than 164 feet (50 meters) in length: a
				  masthead light, 5 miles; except that when the length of the boat is less than
				  65.6 feet (20 meters), 3 miles; a sidelight, 2 miles; a sternlight, 2 miles; a
				  towing light, 2 miles; a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles;
				  and a special flashing light, 2 miles.
(3) In a boat of less than 39.4 feet (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; and a special flashing light, 2 miles.
(4) In an inconspicuous, partly submerged
				  boat or object being towed: a white all-round light, 3 miles.