Figure 1
Motorboats less than 20 meters
(65.62 feet) shall exhibit navigation
lights as shown in Figure 1.
(Note: Two
masthead lights are optional for boats
under 50 meters. Boats over 50 meters
[164 feet] will display two masthead
lights.)
Figure 2
Motorboats of less than 12 meters (39
feet, 4 inches) in length, may show the
lights in either Figure 1 or Figure 2. Boats
of less than 7 meters (23 feet) whose
maximum speed cannot exceed seven
(7) knots may exhibit an all-around
white light, and, if practicable, sidelights
instead of the lights prescribed above, in
international waters only.
UNLIGHTED BELL BUOY SPAR BUOY NUN BUOY
LIGHTED BUOY CAN BUOY MOORING BUOY
Uniform State Regulatory Markers
Regulatory markers indicate dangerous or restricted controlled
areas. These markers are used to indicate speed zones, areas set
aside for particular use, general information and directions.
Regulatory markers are white with orange geometric shapes
and also have orange bands near the top and at the water line of the
buoy. You must obey regulatory markers.
CONTROLLED AREA DANGER BOATS KEEP OUT INFORMATION
Uniform State Waterway Marking System (USWMS)
Diver’s Flag
Used by recreational divers–indicates position.
Stay far away from diver flags. Someone is
underwater in the vicinity.
Alpha Flag
Worldwide vessels engaged
in diving operations–does not indicate diver’s
position. Stay far away from diver flag. Someone
is underwater in the vicinity.
Distress Flag
Indicates fellow boater is in need of assistance.
Warning Markers
It is a good idea to ask local authorities if there
are hazardous areas and how they are marked. Boaters must also
recognize the flag designs, which indicate that skin divers are present
and keep well clear of the area. Divers underwater cannot be seen. Stay
well away from boats or floats displaying Diver Flags.
Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be marked. Steer
clear from the area and remain alert.
SKIN DIVER WARNING FLAG SWIM AREA WARNING BUOY
Navigation markers serve as a means of identifying navigable
routes, and indicate water hazards. Boaters should become familiar
with navigation markers and stay within marked boundaries and
clear of hazards.
18—Safety
Night Running
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise (hours vary by
state) must use navigational lights. Nighttime operation, especially
during bad weather or fog can be dangerous. All Rules of the Road
apply at night, but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats,
regardless of who has right of way. Protect your night vision by
avoiding bright lights and have a passenger, if possible, help keep
watch for other boats, water hazards and aids to navigation. It is best
to proceed slowly at night, as there is always the possibility of unlit
boats, floating objects, and fixed objects which will be very difficult
to see in time to avoid if you are at planing speeds or above.
There are many light patterns on different types of boats and for
boats performing various functions while underway or at anchor. For
most applications on recreational boats the following navigation light
patterns are applicable.
(NOTE: Information is included here that does not apply to Malibu
boats. However, the information is included here to assist Malibu
operators in being aware of the navigational lights that may appear on
other vessels you may encounter.)
