§2023. Power-driven vessels underway (Rule 23)

(a) Lights exhibited by power-driven vessels underway

A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(i) a masthead light forward;

(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so;

(iii) sidelights; and

(iv) a sternlight.

(b) Air-cushion vessels

An air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen.

(c) Alternative lights for power-driven vessels of less than 12 meters in length

A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.

(d) Power-driven vessels when operating on Great Lakes

A power-driven vessel when operating on the Great Lakes may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and sternlight prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule. The light shall be carried in the position of the second masthead light and be visible at the same minimum range.

(Pub. L. 96–591, §2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3424; Pub. L. 104–324, title VII, §701(3), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3932.)

Repeal of Section

Pub. L. 108–293, title III, §303(a), (c), Aug. 9, 2004, 118 Stat. 1042, provided that this section is repealed effective on the effective date of final regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating under section 2071 of this title.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96–591 which enacted the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.

Amendments

1996—Par. (a)(i). Pub. L. 104–324, which directed the striking out of “except that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable;” after “masthead light forward”, was executed by striking out that language, which appeared after “masthead light forward;” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.