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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-nav-lights-sunset-sunrise

When must recreational boats show their navigation lights?

Sunset to sunrise, and in poor visibility.

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  1. Sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility ✔
  2. Only after midnight
  3. Only when other boats are near

Why: The Navigation Rules require lights from sunset to sunrise, and also in restricted visibility like fog or heavy rain. Other lights that could be mistaken for them aren't allowed.

Huh, didn't know that: Inland Rule 20 lets you lower navigation lights if needed to pass under a bridge.

The dad joke
Why did the boat switch on its lights at sunset? It didn't want to be left in the dark.
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References

Answer: Sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility. The Navigation Rules require lights from sunset to sunrise, and also in restricted visibility like fog or heavy rain. Other lights that could be mistaken for them aren't allowed.

  1. USCG A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. 33 CFR 83.20 Application, Inland Rule 20 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.20
    A vessel's navigation lights and shapes may be lowered if necessary to pass under a bridge.
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterAt night you see only another boat's white sternlight, no red or green. What situation is this?Boating & WaterA sailboat moving under sail alone at night shows which lights?Boating & WaterA boat under 50 meters anchored at night may show what single light?

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