August 1, 2003

Lights

TITLE 33 > CHAPTER 34 > SUBCHAPTER I > Part C (Lights and Shapes) > Sec. 2020.

Sec. 2020. - Application Rule 20 (b)
(b) Rules concerning lights complied with from sunset to sunrise; other lights
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 lookout.

Sec. 2022. - Visibility of lights Rule 22
The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Annex I to these Rules, so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:
(a) Vessels of 50 meters or more in length
In a vessel of 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.
(b) Vessels of 12 meters or more but less than 50 meters in length
In a vessel 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 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.
(c) Vessels of less than 12 meters in length
In a vessel 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; and a special flashing light, 2 miles.

TITLE 33 > CHAPTER 34 > SUBCHAPTER I > Part C > Sec. 2025.

Sec. 2025. - Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars Rule 25
(a) Sailing vessels underway
A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:
(i) sidelights; and
(ii) a sternlight.
(b) Sailing vessels of less than 20 meters in length
In a 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.
(d) Sailing vessels of less than 7 meters in length; vessels under oars
(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.
(ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels, 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.