Did Navigation Lighting Requirements Change???

[Cool Beans]

Was looking for any rules specifically stating I needed operational lights for day sailing. . .I'm rewiring, which has opened up Pandora's Box

My sail boat is 33 ft (under 12 meters), which my Chapmans book and most every site I have found says I need Port/Starboard lights of 1 nm visibility, and 2 nm visibility for stern, masthead and anchor. . .

Came upon this from the Power Squadron, dated this year. . .

If I'm interpreting their chart right (lol), it states that boats 26'-65' need lights of 2 nm, and masthead of 3 nm?? Is this a chart error or do I need to upgrade my lights?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...sg=AFQjCNHhlxuIH-mzBdKilDD9db0OT5F9tg&cad=rja

Oh, and also. . .do I need operational lights for a day sail? They don't specifically state that I DON'T need them. . .

Thanks!!!

 

[gpd955]

Just pulled these up for you. As far as I know, there have been no changes to the Nav Rules recently.

If I'm interpreting their chart right (lol), it states that boats 26'-65' need lights of 2 nm, and masthead of 3 nm?? Is this a chart error or do I need to upgrade my lights?

RULE 22 ​

Visibility of Lights

[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges: [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial](c) In vessels of less than 12 meters in length: [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Arial]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]− a masthead light, 2 miles; [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]− a sidelight, 1 mile; [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]− a sternlight, 2 miles; [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]− a towing light, 2 miles; [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial]− a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles. [/FONT]​

[/FONT]

Oh, and also. . .do I need operational lights for a day sail? They don't specifically state that I DON'T need them. . .
Thanks!!!

RULE 20 Application ​

[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial](a) Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers. [/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial](b) 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 look-out. [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Arial]
[FONT=Arial,Arial](c) The lights prescribed by these Rules shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial](d) The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Arial](e) The lights and shapes specified in these Rules shall comply with the provisions of Annex I to these Regulations. [/FONT]​

[/FONT]

 

[RAD]

Here's the WM version
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...1&catalogId=10001&page=Navigation-Light-Rules

USCG version from Boat US

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/uscg.htm

 

[Don12364]

Don't scrimp on lights. Ships have enough difficulty in seeing small vessels as it is so give them the best chance you can.
Lights are not required during daylight hours but they give a feeling of small comfort in fog.

 

[Warren Milberg]

No you are not required to have nav lights during daylight hours. If you do have them, they should be used during daylight hours during periods of reduced visibility. Having said that, I think it's a good idea to have nav lights in the event you get caught out at night, bad weather, fog, etc. Stuff happens; be prepared.

 

[sinnettc]

I think it's a good idea to have nav lights in the event you get caught out at night, bad weather, fog, etc. Stuff happens; be prepared.

I'll agree with that. I've seen a surprising number of sailboats out on our lake after dark (I'm talking full dark, not just twilight) with no lights. They're very hard to see even on a full moon night.

 

[mitiempo]

And the original poster is in Norfolk and has a Ranger 33.

I'd install lights.