1. 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 Rules 20 through 31
Developed and provided courtesy of Ohio Dept. Natural Resources

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 º 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

6. 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

7. Zones
Zones
Crossing
Overtaking
Overtaking
Head-On
Overtaking
Crossing

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

9. 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.

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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

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

18. 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

19. 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)

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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)

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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)

27. 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