properly lit sailboat at night canada

Boating at night - Navigation lights to display in Canada Requirements in Canada

• Boating Safety Equipment
• Types of navigation lights
• Boat Navigation Lights rules and requirements at night

Powerboats navigation lights at night

• Powerboats less than 12 meters (39,4") in length
• Powerboats of 12 meters (39,4") and over in length
• Powerboats at anchor

Properly lit sailboat at night

• Sailboats under 7 m (23’)
• Sailboats from 7 m (23’) to under 20 m (65’7”)
• Sailboats 20 m (65’7”) and over
• Sailboats operating under motor power
• Sailboats at anchor

Commercial boats navigation lights at night

• Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in fishing  

Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in trawling

Navigation lights for a power-driven vessel when towing.

• Navigation lights for a government vessel

Navigation lights for powerboats less than 12 meters (39,4") in length

A power driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length, and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise:

All-round light (white) forward and,

Sidelights (red – green).

Navigation lights for powerboats of 12 meters (39,4") and over in length

A power driven vessel of 12 meters and over in length, and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise:

Masthead light (white) forward,

Sternlight (white) and,

Navigation lights for powerboats at anchor

At anchor,  the operator of a pleasure craft shall display, from sunset to sunrise, in the fore part,  an all-round light .  A powerboat anchored at night must display  an all-round light .

What is a properly lit sailboat at night?

Navigation lights for sailboats under 7 m (23’).

and underway, may display, from sunset to sunrise:

Sidelights (red – green) and,

Sternlight (white).

• 1 lantern, combining the sidelights and stern light above.

Navigation lights for sailboats from 7 m (23’) to under 20 m (65’7”)

• Sternlight , and
• 1 lantern, combining the sidelights and stern light above

Optional - A sailing vessel may exhibit at or near the top of the mast, two all-round lights in a vertical line: the upper one red and the lower one green. These lights are shown along with the sidelights and sternlight.

Navigation lights for sailboats 20 m (65’7”) and over

Navigation lights for sailboats operating under motor power

Sailboats are considered powerboats when they have the engines on - even if the sails are up. 

Masthead light  (white) forward,

Sternlight  (white).

Navigation lights for sailboats at anchor

Navigation lights for kayak or canoe (human-powered vessels) at night

Navigation lights are also required for  human-powered vessels (canoe, kayak)  or for a sailing pleasure craft of less than 7 meters in length not under power. When underway,  the operator  shall, from sunset to sunrise, display, if practical, sidelights and a stern light, but if the operator cannot, he/she must have at hand , a   flashlight   or lighted lantern emitting a white light which must be lit in enough time to prevent a collision.

Navigation lights for a vessel engaged in fishing 

Sidelights ,

Sternlight and

All-around light in a vertical line, the upper being red over white light. When making way through the water.

A  vessel when engaged in trawling , which means dragging a dredge net or other fishing apparatus through the water, shall display:

Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white. When making way through the water,

Sidelights and 

Sternlight.

Navigation lights for a government vessel (Police boat)

Any government vessel or any vessel that is owned or operated by a harbor, river, county or municipal police force may display a blue flashing light to identify itself as such, in the following cases

When it is providing assistance in any waters to any vessel or other craft;

When it is engaged in law enforcement duties in Canadian waters.

Power-driven vessel when towing shall show sidelights, a sternlight, and a towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight, and two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line shall be displayed.

Apart from the regular navigation lights, when a boat tows another vessel in distress or in need of assistance for any reason, shall take all possible measures to show the relation between the towed vessel and the vessel doing the towing. A vessel towing must try to shine a light on the towing cable to make it as visible as possible, so that other boats do not come into contact with the cable.

A vessel being tow shall display sidelights and a sternlight. If it is not possible, it must display one all-around white light at each of the fore and aft ends.  

Navigation lights for a power-driven vessel pushing another

A power-driven vessel, when pushing another , shall display the sidelights, a sternlight, and two superimposed masthead lights. 

The vessel being pushed, and not part of a composite unit, must display its sidelights at the bow. When a vessel is pushing another, if both are connected in a rigid, composite unit, they will be regarded as one unit, thus showing the appropriate lights.

Navigation lights Examples

Sailing vessel seen from starboard side.

Sailing vessel seen from the front

Power-driven vessel anchored

Power-driven vessel seen from starboard side

Power-driven vessel seen from port side

Power-driven vessel seen from the stern (back)

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Chapter 9 - Avoid collisions

From: Transport Canada

Transport Publication TP 14070 E (2010)

• Table of Contents
• Document Information
• Who Should Read This Guide?
• Introduction

Previous page | Next page

IMPORTANT: Throughout this guide, including in this chapter, the information provided is general and not all situations are included. If you operate a vessel, you need to know how different vessel types, such as fishing vessels and seaplanes, will act or react in all situations. As a result, you must be aware of all Collision Regulations requirements, not just those applicable to your vessel.

Navigation Lights

Navigation lights help prevent collisions by making your vessel and its direction of travel more visible to others. Vessels near you will make decisions based on the information your lights provide. The navigation lights on other vessels can help you tell the direction they are moving or whether they are at anchor or engaged in some other activity.

Navigation lights must meet Collision Regulations requirements. For example, you must:

• show navigation lights from sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility;
• make sure your vessel is equipped with the proper lights for its size and purpose; and
• verify that the lights are correctly mounted.

Power-Driven Vessels

Power-driven vessels up to 50 metres long must exhibit a masthead light forward, sidelights and a sternlight when underway. A second masthead light may also be exhibited abaft of (behind) and higher than the forward one. Power-driven vessels less than 20 metres long may have the sidelights placed in front of the forward masthead light (see Figure 9-1).

Power-driven vessels less than 12 metres long may, in addition to sidelights, exhibit an all-round white light instead of the masthead light and the sternlight (see Figure 9-2).

Power-driven vessels less than 7 metres long that can travel no faster than 7 knots may exhibit an all-round white light, and sidelights if practicable, instead of the lights required for power-driven vessels.

Figure 9-1 Power driven vessels – Examples  

Figure 9-2 Power driven vessels – Vessels less than 12 m  

Sailing Vessels

A sailing vessel is any vessel under sail provided that if propelling machinery is fitted, it is not being used.

A sailing vessel under way must exhibit sidelights and a sternlight (see Figure 9-3) or, if less than 20 metres long, a combined lantern carried at or near the top of the mast (see Figure 9-4).

A sailing vessel may exhibit at or near the top of the mast, two all-round lights in a vertical line: the upper one red and the lower one green. These lights are shown along with the sidelights and sternlight, but not with the combined lantern (see Figure 9-5).

Sailing Vessels Propelled by Motor

A vessel under sail is considered to be a power-driven vessel if it is also being propelled by a motor, and must display the lights required by the Collision Regulations for power-driven vessels, and must also display a day shape that is cone-shaped with its point downwards Chapter 17 (see Figure 9-6).

Figure 9-7 Anchor ball  

Anchored Vessels

Vessels that are at anchor and are less than 50 metres long must exhibit, depending on the time of day and visibility, an all-round white light or one ball where it can best be seen (see Figure 9-7).

Vessels less than 7 metres long are not required to exhibit anchor lights or shapes when anchored – unless in or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally pass.

Vessels Towing and Under Tow

Tugs may be towing barges or other vessels on a long towline astern. Often, the length of the tow is so great the towline hangs below the surface of the water and is nearly invisible. If a small craft were to strike the submerged towline, it could capsize and be run down by the barge.

Never pass between a tug and its tow. To avoid this and to keep from getting caught on the towline (or worse), you must be alert for the special shapes and lights displayed by vessels towing barges, other vessels or objects. The towing vessel is usually more visible than its tow. The tow's navigation lights do not include masthead lights and are often much dimmer than those of the towing vessel.

In the case of a power-driven vessel towing another vessel from its stern, the towing vessel must exhibit the following:

• Sidelights and sternlight.
• Towing light (yellow light with the same characteristics as the sternlight).
• Two masthead lights in a vertical line – three of these lights if the tow (length of tow cable plus object being towed) exceeds 200 metres.
• A diamond shape where it can best be seen, if the tow exceeds 200 metres – day signal.

In the case of the vessel being towed, it must exhibit the following:

• A diamond shape where it can best be seen, if the tow exceeds 200 metres.
• If it is impractical for the vessel being towed to exhibit the lights stated above, it must have one all-around white light at each of the fore and aft ends.

Navigation Lights Maintenance

Navigation lights must be kept in good condition. Always check that they are working before leaving the dock. Be sure to carry spare bulbs and fuses of the proper size and power.

It is a good idea to include navigation lights as part of your regular maintenance program. Most lights use a rubber or foam gasket to seal against moisture. If you see condensation inside the lens, it means the gasket leaks. Inspect the gasket for proper placement, splits or cracks, and replace as needed. Spray gaskets with silicone and electrical connections with a corrosion protector to extend your fixtures' life. Be sure to clean thoroughly the light, reflector and lens when needed.

Sound Signalling Equipment

The  Small Vessel Regulations require that you carry a sound signalling device or appliance to alert other vessels to your presence or your intentions. Sound signals are necessary in certain meeting, crossing, overtaking and emergency situations.All vessels must sound the appropriate signal (described in the Collision Regulations) during periods of fog, heavy rain or other conditions of reduced visibility.

A vessel 12 metres long or more must carry a sound signalling appliance meeting the requirements of the Collision Regulations , such as a horn or whistle that has an audible range of at least 0.5 nautical miles (1 nautical mile if the vessel is more than 20 metres long) and that can give a "prolonged blast" 4 to 6 seconds long.

Vessels less than 12 metres long can use any efficient sound signalling device – such as a pealess whistle or a compressed gas or electric horn – that can make a sound for 4 to 6 seconds and that can be heard within a range of 0.5 nautical miles.

Radar Reflectors

A passive radar reflector can help a radar-equipped vessel detect your vessel. Vessels less than 20 metres long or built mostly from non-metal materials must have a radar reflector mounted above the superstructure, when possible not less than 4 metres above the water. The reflector must be able to perform under the range of foreseeable environmental conditions.

The radar reflector requirement does not apply if your vessel is very small or if it operates only:

• in limited traffic during daylight hours when the visibility is good; or
• where no vessels use radar.

Refer to  Ship Safety Bulletin 07/2008: The Importance of Properly Fitting an Effective Radar Reflector on Small or Non-Metallic Vessels for more information on the need to carefully select and install radar reflectors.

Remember: Having a radar reflector simply helps you be seen. You still have to keep a proper lookout for other vessels.

More Information

Collision Regulations http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._1416/

Small Vessel Regulations http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2010-91/

Standards for Navigation Lights, Shapes, Sound Signal Appliances and Radar Reflectors (1991) ( TP 1861) www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp1861-menu-76.htm

Ship Safety Bulletin 07/2008:The Importance of Properly Fitting an Effective Radar Reflector on Small or Non-Metallic Vessels www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/bulletins-2008-07-eng.htm

17. Vessels less than 12 metres in length are not required to exhibit the day shape in Canadian waters of a roadstead (a partly sheltered anchorage), harbour, river, lake or inland waterway. ^

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