Re: Two things I noted about boating at night
Just thought I would add this from the maryland DNR site, not sure how much the rules change from state to state: (copy pasted from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/pdfs/recreationvessels.pdf )
Anchored Vessels
At night, power-driven vessels and sailing vessels at anchor must display anchor
lights. An anchor light for a vessel less than 50 meters in length is an all-around
white light visible for 2 miles exhibited where it can best be seen. During the day,
vessels at anchor shall exhibit forward where best seen, a ball shape. Vessels less than
7 meters are not required to display anchor lights or day shapes unless anchored in
or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally
navigate.
At night, sailing vessels operating under machinery, or under sail and machinery, are
considered power-driven and must display the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel.
Vessels operating at night must also remember to operate at a safe speed as well as
consider factors such as visibility, weather, sea conditions, background lights that may
obscure navigation lights, vessel traffic and other possible hazards.
Austin
Just thought I would add this from the maryland DNR site, not sure how much the rules change from state to state: (copy pasted from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/pdfs/recreationvessels.pdf )
Anchored Vessels
At night, power-driven vessels and sailing vessels at anchor must display anchor
lights. An anchor light for a vessel less than 50 meters in length is an all-around
white light visible for 2 miles exhibited where it can best be seen. During the day,
vessels at anchor shall exhibit forward where best seen, a ball shape. Vessels less than
7 meters are not required to display anchor lights or day shapes unless anchored in
or near a narrow channel, fairway or anchorage, or where other vessels normally
navigate.
At night, sailing vessels operating under machinery, or under sail and machinery, are
considered power-driven and must display the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel.
Vessels operating at night must also remember to operate at a safe speed as well as
consider factors such as visibility, weather, sea conditions, background lights that may
obscure navigation lights, vessel traffic and other possible hazards.
Austin