Boat Navigation Lights

Navigation light requirements vary by vessel size and type. For powerboats underway (not anchored), the basic requirements are a red sidelight on the port side, a green sidelight on the starboard side, a white masthead light shining forward, and white stern light. The masthead light must be higher than the sidelights. Read More

For powerboats under 40’, some substitutions are allowed. First, the separate red and green sidelights can be replaced with a single bi-color red and green light on the bow. Second, the masthead and stern lights may be replaced with a single all-around white light that is aft of and higher than the red and green lights.

Whether you choose a single bi-color bow light or separate red and green sidelights, they must be installed correctly in the right location. The Coast Guard requires that these lights are visible in an arc from directly ahead of your boat to 112.5 degrees aft on each side.

When installing shark eye-style red and green lights or rub rail-mounted bow lights, it is extremely important to make sure they meet this visibility requirement. If mounted too far aft on your boat, they may not be visible from dead ahead. If mounted too far forward, they may not be visible from as far aft as required.

Powerboats at anchor in darkness or reduced visibility conditions must display a single all-around white light visible from 360 degrees.

For all boats under 40’, red and green lights must be visible for at least 1 nautical mile and white all-around lights must be visible for 2 nautical miles. Boats from 40’ to 66’ are required to have red and green lights and a stern light visible for at least 2 nautical miles and a masthead light visible for 3 nm. Always check the visibility rating when purchasing lights.

Kayak Navigation Lights

Technically, kayaks, canoes, and other paddle craft are only required to carry a flashlight at night that can be shined toward oncoming boats when needed. For safety, though, we strongly recommend an all-around white light on a pole, similar to those used by powerboats.

LED Navigation Lights

Most new navigation lights use LED technology instead of incandescent bulbs. LED lights should be used whenever possible, since they consume far less electrical power, have a longer lifespan, and stay cooler when turned on for long periods.

Removable vs. Pop-up vs. Pole Navigation Lights

On boats with T-tops or hardtops, we recommend mounting a permanent all-around white light on the top. But for small boats without tops, a permanently mounted light on a pole will likely be in the way and removable plug-in style all-around lights may be preferable. They can be stowed out of the way when not needed, then plugged in for night operation.

Likewise, removable plug-in bow lights are a good option for small boats that aren’t operated frequently at night, especially flats boats and skiffs that need a clear, unobstructed forward deck. They’re much less expensive and easier to install than shark eye navigation lights, which require drilling holes in the hull.

Pop-up navigation lights are another option for keeping decks clean and unobstructed. These bi-color or side lights can be pushed down flush when not needed.

Although the two types of lights are often mistaken for each other, navigation lights have very distinct purposes: they indicate the type and size of vessel you are on, whether you are anchored, are moving and the direction you are moving in.

Permanently installed navigation lights are not required on most vessels under 40’. Navigation lights are required by law, though, for operating any boat at night or in reduced visibility. We recommend that all boats be fitted with dependable, high-quality navigation lights.

Navigation lights must be used during darkness and periods of reduced visibility. Most powerboats under 40’ are required to have either sidelights or a single bi-color red and green light. Powerboats under 40’ must also have either a white all-around light or white masthead and stern lights.

Red and green sidelights are typically mounted on the boat's sides near the bow. They must be visible in an arc from dead ahead to 122.5 degrees aft. Bi-color lights are typically mounted on the deck at the farthest forward point of the bow. They must be visible in the same arc and cannot be partially obstructed by trolling motors or other accessories. All-around white lights may be mounted on a T-top or hardtop or a pole near the stern. They must be aft of and higher than the side lights or bicolor lights.