All vessels must show required running lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. The following illustration shows the inland and international light requirements for boats less than 65 feet 7 inches (20 meters). In most cases, the lights prescribed for a particular vessel are the same under both inland and international rules. Any exceptions are noted. A sailboat operating under power, or under power and sail, must display the proper lights for a powerboat. A sail vessel under machinery power and sails is considered a power-driven vessel.

Power-Driven Vessels: In inland and international waters, a power-driven vessel must exhibit navigational lights as shown in Boxes 1 or 2. Vessels less than 39 feet 5 inches (12 meters) in international and inland waters may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in Boxes 1 and 2, use those lights shown in Box 3. In international waters a power-driven vessel of less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length and whose maximum speed cannot exceed seven knots may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in Boxes 1 and 2, exhibit an all-round white light. Such vessel must, if practicable, also exhibit side lights. In inland waters only, a power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters (39 feet 5 inches) may exhibit an all-round white light aft and sidelights.

Sailing Vessels and Vessels Under Oar: In inland and international waters, sailing vessels under sail alone must exhibit navigation lights shown in Boxes 4,5, or 6. A sailing vessel of less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length must: a) if practicable, exhibit those lights prescribed in Boxes 4,5, or 6, or: b) have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. (see Box 7c).

A sailing vessel under oars may: a) display those lights prescribed for sailing vessels or:
b) have ready at hand an electric or lighted lantern showing a white light which must be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision (see Box 7).

U.S. Coast Guard Group Stations / Emergency Rescue Procedures/Personal Flotation Devices/First Aid
Fire Extinguishers/Running Lights / Aids To Navigation / Inland Rules of the Road
VHF-FM Frequencies (Sponsored By Standard Communications) / VHF Radio Information
Preparation and Storm Advisories / Recommended Additional Equipment / Trailering Your Boat
Common Useful Knots / Marine Law Enforcement / Wind Determinants