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Federal regulations · Through 2026-08-25 · Newer source version available

33 CFR 83.22: Visibility of lights (Rule 22).

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. Title 33—Navigation and Navigable Waters
  2. CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
  3. SUBCHAPTER E—INLAND NAVIGATION RULES
  4. PART 83—NAVIGATION RULES
  5. Subpart C—Lights and Shapes

The lights prescribed in these Rules (Subpart C) shall have an intensity as specified in Annex I to these Rules (33 CFR part 84), so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(a) In a vessel of 50 meters or more in length:

(i) A masthead light, 6 miles;

(ii) A sidelight, 3 miles;

(iii) A sternlight, 3 miles;

(iv) A towing light, 3 miles;

(v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles; and

(vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles.

(b) In a vessel of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length:

(i) A masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles;

(ii) A sidelight, 2 miles;

(iii) A sternlight, 2 miles;

(iv) A towing light, 2 miles;

(v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles; and

(vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles.

(c) In a vessel of less than 12 meters in length:

(i) A masthead light, 2 miles;

(ii) A sidelight, 1 mile;

(iii) A sternlight, 2 miles;

(iv) A towing light, 2 miles;

(v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles; and

(vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles.

(d) In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or objects being towed:

(i) A white all-round light, 3 miles.

(ii) [Reserved]

Collected 2026-08-27T02:25:35Z. Source file · JSON

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