U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 2022. Visibility of lights (Rule 22)

The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in Annex I to these Rules, so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(a) Vessels of 50 meters or more in length

In a vessel of 50 meters or more in length:

a masthead light, 6 miles;

a sidelight, 3 miles;

a sternlight, 3 miles;

a towing light, 3 miles;

a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles; and

a special flashing light, 2 miles.

(b) Vessels of 12 meters or more but less than 50 meters in length

In a vessel of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length:

a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles;

a sidelight, 2 miles;

a sternlight, 2 miles;

a towing light, 2 miles;

a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles; and

a special flashing light, 2 miles.

In a vessel of less than 12 meters in length:

a masthead light, 2 miles;

a sidelight, 1 mile;

a sternlight, 2 miles;

a towing light, 2 miles;

a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles; and

a special flashing light, 2 miles.

(d) Inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed

In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed:

a white all-round light, 3 miles.

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