Skip to main content

Spotlight on Lights

Clarifying some light confusion over vessel light requirements.

Side lights on one package: Popup LED 210M from Accon Marine.

There are minimum lighting standards for boating in Florida waters— in fact all U.S. coastal and inland waters, outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. Knowing the basics for the majority of boats you might encounter while inshore in Florida will help you keep your boat visible and interpret what you encounter.

Lighting requirements vary based on boat style and length, and whether the boat is underway or anchored. Boats less than 39.4 feet require side lights that are visible to one mile (red on port/left, green on starboard/right). They may be combined into one light that is mounted centerline at the front of the bow, a common lighting configuration for many skiffs and bay boats. Additionally, a white all-round (anchor) light that is one meter higher than the side lights must be visible for 2 miles. This is the light most commonly seen on the removable post at the back of most skiffs and bay boats; by law it's supposed to be visible, at the required intensity, from 360 degrees. Bigger boats have similar requirements, but more of ‘em. When underway, all vessels between 39.4 and 65.6 feet are required to have side lights, a white masthead light and a white stern light. Larger boats require brighter lights; side lights on boats over 39.4 feet must be visible for 2 miles on a clear night. The mast light must be at least a meter higher

than the side lights and be visible for 3 miles. Although vessels of this size aren't likely to be fishing in coastal waters after dark, you are very likely to encounter them at night especially if you are fishing near an inlet.

At bottom, two kinds of white all-round lights: portable and 12 volt pole light. At top, side light mounted on T-top for optimal visibility. See main story for small boat applications.

Side lights, masthead lights and all-around lights must conform to specific requirements for intensity and—importantly— angle of visibility. Those old forward- looking “snake-eye” lights tucked up under the gunnel of flats boats? Unless each one is visible to 112.5 degrees aft from centerline (from straight ahead to 22.5 degrees astern of the beam), and 5 degrees above and below the horizon,

they don't qualify. Most builders are aware of the regulations these days, but refinishers of used boats should consult the full rules on the Internet.

What about when anchored up for fishing? Most anchored or moored boats require only the correct 360-degree white light. Side lights are not required to be on; and in fact some boaters suggest you have them off so oncoming traffic doesn't assume you are under power and able to maneuver immediately. Drifting is not considered anchored or moored, so if drift fishing at night you are considered “underway” and must maintain appropriate lighting.

Although it is not required, a handheld flashlight is highly recommended. Aside from making it easier to find dropped tackle inside the boat, the extra light can come in handy when trying to get another boater's attention. Further, a spotlight should be standard equipment on night trips, especially when in unfamiliar water. Highly reflective channel markers are simple to see with a quick flash of a spotlight. It also reduces the chances of hitting large debris floating on or just under the surface. One note on handheld spot lights: They can cause temporary night blindness. Aim them away from yourself and other persons on the vessel, and avoid pointing them into the white walls of your gunnels. And never shine a spotlight at another vessel for the same reasons. Blinding another boater can jeopardize the safety of both vessels.

For summarized lighting requirements see www.boat-ed.com/florida. For more detailed U.S. Coast Guard info, visit www.navcen.uscg.gov. FS

Paddle Craft

The increased popularity of kayak fishing has led to a growing fleet of night prowling paddlers. These vessels—if not equipped with a combustion or electric motor—are required to carry only a handheld light such as a flashlight. This allows the paddler to signal oncoming boats of their presence. I'll admit this minimum requirement used to make me feel pretty comfortable. However, as I've encountered more kayakers at night while in a powerboat, I can see that an all-round white pole light, same as required for small power boats, is a very good idea. Know, too, that paddle-craft operating at night on most coastal waters are required to carry Visual Distress Signals (signal flares), same as for powerboats.

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Store

Faux Wood HydraStepp Splash Finale

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Learn

Crocodile Spotted off Popular South Florida Fishing Pier

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Store

Wildfire Boat Racing Dreams

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Learn

How to Build a Fishing Rod: DIY Rod Building for Beginners

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Store

Faux Wood HydraStepp Gets Lit

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Learn

Best Live Bait Rigs for Snook & How to Use Them

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Sportfish

Sailfish Boats: Fishing-Focused & Family-Friendly

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

GoBoat: The Lightest & Most Portable Boat in the World

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

Innovative Catamaran Design in a Paddleboard: LIVE Watersports Walkthrough & Features

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

Custom Donzi 38 Dreamboat Reveal & Splash

Rothco merges form, function & aesthetics with their line of tactical tackle bags
Gear

Tactical Tackle: The Unexpected Combo We Never Knew We Needed

Florida Sportsman Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

Preview This Month's Issue

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Florida Sportsman App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Florida Sportsman stories delivered right to your inbox.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Florida Sportsman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now