Required Equipment
When are navigation lights required to be displayed?
Answer
From sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility
Navigation lights must be shown from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is restricted, such as in fog. They let other boaters see you and judge your heading and type of vessel.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR Part 83, Inland Navigation Rules, § 83.20(b)–(c) (Rule 20), Application of the light rules — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.20
Not the answer
- Only during official races
- Only on holidays
- Only when the boat is anchored
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test