NAVIGATION RULES -INLAND- LIGHTS & SHAPES Lights on your boat are for the benefit of other boaters. If properly displayed, your lights indicate the type of vessel, size of vessel, direction of travel, mode of operation (underway vs. anchored), etc. With that information, the operators of vessels can apply the Nav Rules at night. Without properly displayed lights, the risk of night boating is greatly increased. Inland Navigation Rules Act of 1980 Rules 20 through 31 Developed and provided courtesy of Ohio Dept. Natural Resources

Disclaimer The Rules presented in this program are an overview of summarized versions of the Inland Navigation Rules. This program should not be considered a substitute for a complete version of the entire Inland Navigation Rules. The summarized rules in this program could be interpreted differently than the complete rules of the Inland Navigation Rules.

Application of Lighting Rules (Rule 20) Application of Lighting Rules (OAC 1501:47:2-20) Application of Lighting Rules (Rule 20) Lighting rules shall be complied with: in all weather from sunset to sunrise local time sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility all other times it is deemed necessary

Application of Lighting Rules (Rule 20) Application of Lighting Rules (OAC 1501:47:2-20) Application of Lighting Rules (Rule 20) No other lights shall be displayed except lights that: cannot be mistaken for required lights do not impair visibility of required lights do not interfere with keeping a proper look-out

Definitions for Lighting (Rule 21) Definitions for Lighting (OAC 1501:47:2-21) Masthead light - 225º white light showing ahead to 22.5º abaft the beam on both sides Sidelights - 112.5º green light (starboard) and red light (port) showing ahead to 22.5º abaft the beam May be one combined light on vessels less than 20 meters Sternlight - 135º white light showing 67.5º from right aft on each side All-round light - 360º white light showing all around the horizon

Visibility of Lights (Rule 22) Type of light < 12 meters 12 meters or > Masthead light 2 miles 3-5 miles Sidelights 1 mile 2 miles Stern light 2 miles 2 miles All-round light 2 miles 2 miles

Zones Zones Crossing Overtaking Overtaking Head-On Overtaking Crossing

Power-Driven Vessel Underway (Rule 23) Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) Sidelights may be combined in one light. Under Power

Power-Driven Vessel Underway (Rule 23) Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) May exhibit an all-around light instead of masthead and stern lights.

Sailing Vessel Underway (Rule 25) Vessels less than 20 meters (65.6 feet)

Sailing Vessel Underway (Rule 25) Vessel less than 7 meters (23 feet) Exhibit same lights as larger sailing vessels if practical. If not practical, exhibit an electric torch or lantern showing a white light in time to prevent collision.

Vessel Under Oars (Rule 25) May exhibit lights for sailing vessels or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light in time to prevent collision.

Vessel at Anchor (Rule 30) Vessel at anchor (less than 50 meters) Except: a vessel less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) at anchor in a special anchorage a vessel less than 7 meters (23.0 feet) at anchor and not in a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate

Power-Driven Vessel Underway (Rule 23) Typical of Great Lakes freighter Danger: The distance between lights on a ship may be so far that an unaware boater hits the vessel broadside.

Vessel Pushing (Rule 24) Vessel Pushing Typical of Ohio River barges Flashing Barges Danger: The distance between lights on barges may be so far that an unaware boater hits the vessel broadside.

DANGER: Unlighted cable spans between vessels Vessel Towing Vessel Towing (Rule 24) Vessel being towed DANGER: Unlighted cable spans between vessels Danger: The distance between vessels may be so far that an unaware boater hits the towline between the vessels. Object being towed

Vessel Aground (Rule 30) Vessel Aground Vessel aground (less than 50 meters)

More Lights More Lights Vessel not under command (Rule 27) Vessel restricted in maneuverability (Rule 27) When making way through the water, these vessels also display masthead, side and stern lights. When at anchor these vessels also display anchor light

More Lights More Lights Fishing vessels (Rule 26) When making way through the water these vessels also display masthead, side and stern lights Vessel engaged in diving (Rule 27)

Day Shapes Day Shapes In addition to lights, some vessels are required to display shapes to indicate a special circumstance Example: A vessel towing with severely restricted maneuverability displays 2 balls and 1 diamond in a vertical line (Rule 27) Ball Diamond Ball While recreational vessels typically do not carry dayshapes, the following rules still apply. Towing with severely restricted maneuverability

Day Shapes Day Shapes Cone shape, apex down Sailing vessels under sail and power must display a cone shape, apex facing down except a vessel less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) is not obliged (Rule 25) Under sail and power

Under 23 feet not required Day Shapes Day Shapes A vessel at anchor must display a ball on the forward part of the vessel, except: a vessel less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) at anchor in a special anchorage a vessel less than 7 meters (23.0 feet) at anchor and not in a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate Ball (Rule 30) Under 23 feet not required

Day Shapes Day Shapes A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver shall display 2 balls and 1 diamond in a vertical line. A vessel not under command shall display 2 balls in a vertical line. Vessels less than 12 meters are not required, except when engaged in diving. (Rule 27)

Day Shapes Day Shapes If the size of a vessel engaged in diving makes it impracticable to display shapes for restricted ability to maneuver, it shall display a rigid replica of the code flag “A”. (Rule 27) Rigid replica of code flag “A” - One meter in height - All around visibility Use of this dayshape does not affect use of the “diver down” flag. The red flag with a white diagonal stripe is used in addition to mark the location of the divers. Does not affect use of “diver down” flag Small vessel engaged in diving

Vessel engaged in fishing Day Shapes A vessel engaged in fishing shall display 2 cones in a vertical line with apexes together 2 cones with apexes together (Rule 26) Vessel engaged in fishing

Day Shapes Day Shapes A vessel aground shall display 3 balls in a vertical line, if practicable 3 balls in a vertical line (Rule 30)

Day Shapes Day Shapes Vessel Shape Exemptions Vessel Under Sail & Power Cone > 12m Anchored Ball > 7m (not in channel) > 20m (in anchorage) Aground 3 Balls (vert. line) > 12m Not Under Command 2 Balls (vert. line) > 12m Restricted in Ability 1 Ball + 1 Diamond > 12m (except dive boats) to Maneuver + 1 Ball (vert. line) Diving (restricted in Same as above Shapes not practical ability to maneuver) (must display “A” flag) Fishing (commercial) 2 Cones (vert. line) > 20m (but must display (nets or trawling) basket shape) Vessel Towing Diamond Tow > 200m Vessel Being Towed Diamond Tow > 200m