Speed

Every vessel at all times must proceed at a safe speed so the operator can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be able to stop within a safe distance in prevailing circumstances and conditions. Safe speed is determined by visibility, traffic density (including fishing vessels or any other vessels), vessel maneuverability with reference to stopping distance and turning ability in prevailing conditions. Winds, current and navigational hazards also play a part in determining safe operational speed. A vessel's draft in relation to the available depth of water is important to consider as well.

Adhere to posted speed regulations for the waterways you use. Excessive speed can be dangerous and results in larger wakes. You are responsible for all damage caused by your boat's wake. Be particularly aware of No Wake areas, which will usually be marked by signs or buoys. These markers signal you to proceed at the lowest possible speed at which you can make headway and maintain steerage - usually five miles per hour or less. These areas are usually found near swimming beaches, marinas, mooring areas, docking sites, waterfront residences, jetties, and boat ramps.

No Wake, Swimmers Only, and 5 Knot zones are posted in areas where property, the environment, animals, or people can be harmed by speeding boats. They are special areas marked by white buoys with orange letters and symbols (please see below). The zones apply to all vessels, including PWC. As a responsible boater you must understand the intent of the zones and demonstrate your concern for others by following the regulations. Abuse of common waterways creates pressure to further regulate boating activities, even to the point of trying to ban PWC from certain areas.

Navigation Lights

Since PWC operators may operate other types of watercraft, possibly during the hours from sunset to sunrise, it is important to know the rules regarding navigation lights. The lights must be displayed during the hours from sunset to sunrise or when there is restricted visibility due to a storm, fog or other occurrence. Because you have your lights on is no assurance that the operator of another vessel sees you. Lights from shore or other boats could interfere with you being seen. Always be alert when operating after sunset and before sunrise. The following are the common navigation lights:

• Side Lights: "Sidelights" means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. In a vessel of less than 30 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. (See figure 1 below.)

• Stern Light: As the name implies this white light is only seen from behind, or nearly behind the vessel. It is placed as near as practical at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.

• Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides of a vessel in a continuous arc of 225 degrees. It is located on the mast of a sailboat, usually at or near the top, and is also required on all powerboats. Any boat, including sailboats, must have a masthead light on when operating under engine power. The absence of this light on a sailboat means it is under sail. It is placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.
  
  Note: A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may exhibit an all around white light and side lights.



• White Light: "All-round white light" means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees. It may consist of the stern light and the masthead light combined to show 360 degrees. In either configuration it can be used as an anchor light for a vessel under 39.4 feet in length when the sidelights are shut off. (See figure 2 above.)

Other Important Lights

• Towing Light: A yellow light having the same characteristics as the stern light.

• All-Round Light: A light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees. (See figure 3 above.)

• Flashing Light: A light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.

• Special Flashing Light: A yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute, placed as far forward and as nearly as practical on the fore and aft centerline of the tow and showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon not less than 180 degrees nor more than 225 degrees and so fixed to show the light from right ahead to abeam and no more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

Rules regarding night time operation are in effect when the boater is away from the dock between sunset and sunrise and during periods of heavy rain or fog (or any other circumstance where use of lights is deemed necessary). Powerboats (including sailboats running under engine power) that are less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length must have red and green sidelights that can be seen for a distance of one mile on a clear dark night. See figure 4 below. An all-around light or the combination of a masthead light and a stern light is also required. See figure 5 below. They must be able to be seen from a distance of three miles. Also the masthead light must be one meter (3.3 feet) higher that the side lights.

Sailboats, paddleboats, rowboats and any other manually driven craft less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) must have red and green side lights visible from a distance of at least two miles on a clear dark night. If the boat is less than 12 meters the requirement drops to one mile. See figure 6 above. A stern light must be visible from at least two miles. If practical, manually driven boats less that 7 meters should have the same configuration of navigational lights as boats up to 20 meters. If not practical, they must have a lantern or flashlight shining a white light while underway. (See figure 7 below.)

All boats moored or anchored away from a dock, between sunset and sunrise, must have a white light that is visible from all directions.

VISIBILITY Of LIGHTS:

A vessel's lights must be visible at the following minimum ranges:

• A vessel of less than 12 meters in length:
  
  Masthead light - 2 miles
  Sidelight - 1 mile
  Stern light - 2 miles
  Towing light - 2 miles
  White, red, green or yellow all-round light - 2 miles
  Special flashing light - 2 miles

• A vessel of 12 meters but less than 50 meters in length:
  
  Masthead light - 5 miles; except where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters - 3 miles
  Sidelight - 2 miles
  Stern light - 2 miles
  Towing light - 2 miles
  White, red, green or yellow all-round light - 2 miles
  Special flashing light - 2 miles

• A vessel 50 meters or more in length:
  
  Masthead light - 6 miles
  Sidelight - 3 miles
  Stern light - 3 miles
  Towing light - 3 miles
  White, red, green or yellow all-round light - 3 miles
  Special flashing light - 2 miles

• In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed:
  
  White all-round light - 3 miles

A power driven vessel underway must exhibit a masthead light forward, a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; vessels of less than 50 meters in length are not obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so; sidelights and a stern light. A sailing vessel under power must exhibit sidelights and a stern light. In a sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length the lights may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can be best seen. A sailing vessel underway may also exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where it can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern. A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery must exhibit forward, where it can best be seen, a conical shape, apex downward. Vessels less than 12 meters are not required to exhibit this flag.

Any sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length must exhibit the required lights if practical. If not practical, an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light shall be exhibited to prevent collision.

NIGHT TIME GUIDELINES:

Make sure navigation lights are operational. Always carry spare bulbs. During night time use other lights are permitted (cabin lights, flashlights, etc.) only if it is clear they aren't navigation lights, do not alter the vessels distinctive character and do not interfere with proper look-out or visibility.

Use the all-around white light when anchored. Never operate when the visibility is severely restricted and never operate in a hurry when sailing at night. Also, avoid traveling alone at night. Another pair of eyes can watch for obstructions.