Virginia Boat Navigation Light Requirements

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.

Virginia boat navigation light requirements.

Navigation lights should be fitted by the manufacturer or an authorised person. For other configurations and requirements for larger vessels see the uscg s navigation rules. Larger boats are required to use lights with a higher visibility range and cannot combine sidelights into a single bi color light. 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.

It is crucial the lights on your boat be placed and displayed appropriate to the size and class of your boat. Minimum required lights sailboats underway. These types of navigation lights are available from marine dealers. If the boat is underway or anchored.

Navigation lights recreational boats while underway are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. That rule is quoted below as is the uscg site reference. All boats whether used for commercial purposes or for pleasure boating must comply with the regulations concerning lighting. Boat navigation light regulations.

The common lighting configurations for recreational vessels are discussed in this course. A 360 degree white all around masthead light with two mile visibility normally fulfills this requirement for most pleasure boats but familiarize yourself with and follow the rule. Vessels are required to show the proper navigation lights from sunset to sunrise in all weather conditions good and bad. No other lights shall be exhibited that could impair the visibility of required running lights or impair the visibility of approaching vessels.

One of the most important safety systems on your boat is your set of navigation lights. Powerboats and sailboats when under power. The required navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel. 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.

Navigation lights requirements depend on vessel size. Navigation lights requirements vary depending on the length of the boat. These lights tell other boat operators what your boat is doing whether it is at anchor under sail or motoring. The inland rules have specific requirements as to anchor lights.

The basic rule is that side lights a.