OutdoorNebraska

32 ■ Chapter 4 Navigation Lights ◆ Vessel operators must make sure that their vessels are equipped with the proper navigation lights and use the lights during these conditions: • When away from the dock between sunset and sunrise. • During periods of restricted visibility, such as fog or heavy rain. ◆ The different types of navigation lights are described in "Night Navigation" in Chapter 3. Don't exhibit any other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation lights. Note: Blue or red flashing lights are restricted to law enforcement vessels only. ◆ The federal requirements listed below for navigation lights differ depending on the type and size of your vessel. Nebraska state law differs slightly but also accepts these federal requirements. Nebraska law requires also that all vessels carry on board a flashlight or lantern for emergencies. For requirements for larger vessels, see the U.S. Coast Guard's "Navigation Rules." Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 20 Meters Long When Underway Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.) long must exhibit lights as shown in illus- tration 1. Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under power. The required lights are: ◆ Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles – or if less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) long, at least one mile – on a dark, clear night. ◆ An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least one meter (3.3 ft.) higher than the sidelights. Unpowered Vessels When Underway Unpowered vessels are sailing vessels or those that are paddled, poled and rowed. ◆ Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.) long must exhibit the lights as shown in illustration 2: • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles – or if less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) long, at least one mile – on a dark, clear night • A sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles. ◆ Vessels less than 7 meters (23 ft.) long should: • If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.) in length. • If not practical, shine a white light from a lantern or flashlight as shown in illustration 3. All Vessels When Not Underway Between sunset and sunrise, all vessels are required to display a white light visible from all directions whenever they are anchored away from a dock or moored in an area other than a designated mooring area. An alternative to the sidelights and sternlight is a combination red, green, and white light, which must be exhibited near the top of the mast. 2. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet 3. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23 Feet To prevent a collision, vessel operators should never leave shore without a flashlight. Even if you plan to return before dark, unforeseen develop- ments might delay your return past nightfall. 1. Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet The red and green lighting must conform to the illustration above. Red should be on the left side of the bow and green on the right side of the bow. Less than 39.4 feet long only An alternative to the sidelights and sternlight is a combination red, green, and white light, which must be exhibited near the top of the mast. 2. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet 3. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23 Feet To prevent a collision, vessel operators should never leave shore without a flashlight. Even if you plan to return before dark, unforeseen develop- ments might delay your return past nightfall. 1. Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet The red and green lighting must conform to the illustration above. Red should be on the left side of the bow and green on the right side of the bow. Less than 39.4 feet long only Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

• Cover