The Rule - Vessel lights and shapes

Rules in this Part shall be complied with in all weathers. 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. 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. The Rules concerning shapes shall be complied with by day. 

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Night sailing requirements

Your responsibility, when sailing in diminished lighting conditions and after sunset and before sunrise is to turn your navigation lights on. Don't assume they are working - the sea salt environment is a poor environment to expect electrical contact to continuously work. Visually check for operation after you turn them on.

All vessel types have a unique distinguishing set of lights that they must adhere to depending on the type of vessel. i.e. Sailing, towing, fishing, restricted in ability to maneuver, constrained by draft, dredging, etc. It would be prudent for you to learn all the differences in these lights. However, there are Apps, lookup charts and tools that you can stow on board so that you don't have to rely on 100% functionality of your brain cells.

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The rule for sailing vessels

For sailing vessels the lights required internationally are:

• Bow – red (port side) and green (starboard side) with a 112.5 degrees arc - remember "is there any red port left".

• Anchor Light  - white 360 degrees at top of mast (for anchored only).

• Mast head - white 225 degrees facing forward (for under power only sometimes called a steaming light).

• Stern - white with a 135 degrees arc.

• Optional - Masthead 360 degrees red over green in addition to the lights on the bow and stern.