Bill Hariu – June 2026

One of the most important safety systems on your boat is your set of navigation lights. With the LACA fireworks approaching on Saturday July 4, 2026, see the LACA website for fireworks details and please use proper navigation lights if on the water. Also, whenever you are operating your watercraft between sunset and sunrise, or in other times of restricted visibility, such as in fog or rain, you need to display the appropriate navigation lights so that other boats can see you and take appropriate action to avoid a collision.

It is also required by the Virginia Boating Laws enforced by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). For detailed interactive diagrams or specific vessel lengths, refer to the Virginia DWR Boaters Guide. Always ensure your lights are visible and meet the legal requirements before heading out on the water. In general, all navigation light systems include red and green sidelights, which indicate the port and starboard side of your boat, as well as one or more white lights.

The rules for what navigation lights to display depend on several factors including:

◦   Boat length: e.g. different rule if under or over 12 meters (39.4ft)

◦   Whether boat is powered by an engine

◦   Where boating, e.g. inland or international waters

◦   Whether at anchor

Remember that it's your responsibility to have the proper navigation lighting. Even if you just purchased a new boat, you should check to ensure that you've got the correct lights for safe, and legal boating. It's also important that you have a flashlight on board, as you never know when a navigation light might burn out.

PORT AND STARBOARD REMINDER:

To remember port and starboard, use the phrase "Left Port” - both words have four letters, and Port is the left side (colored red). Alternatively, remember "Starboard is Right" - both contain the letter 'R'. Port is left (red), and starboard is right (green) when facing forward towards the bow of your vessel.

WHITE LIGHT REMINDER:

Stern light: This white light is seen only from behind (stern) or nearly behind the vessel.

Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. If you see a white light at night, you're approaching one of the following: a boat from behind, a non-powered boat, or an anchored boat.

Captain - Don't be the boater with docking lights on:

The last couple of years there's been a rise in new boaters on Lake Anna, and many have bought pontoon boats. Do yourself a favor and don't be this person below boating with both the dock lights and the navigation lights on while underway. Remember to turn off your docking lights when operating a watercraft.

Docking lights are great when used properly, but they blind everyone on the water when not used correctly, including the person on the dock helping to grab a line. It's illegal in Virginia to navigate waterways with them on, and just rude. If you see someone doing this, please talk to them diplomatically as a fellow boater and let them know the proper ways of using docking lights.

Below is a picture of a pontoon boat illegally operating with their docking lights on. Please do not do this.

Proper use of Dock Lights and Right-of-way Rules:

Boat dock lighting requirements focus on safety, visibility for navigation, and environmental regulations, generally requiring low-mounted, shielded, downward-facing fixtures to prevent blinding boaters and minimize light pollution.

•   Blinding Floodlights: Avoid high, bright, unshielded lights that shine into the eyes of approaching boaters.

•   Misusing Docking Lights: Docking lights on boats are not intended for general navigation and should only be used in the final few feet of approach to the dock or ramp.

•   No Impairment: No other lights can be exhibited that could be mistaken for standard navigation lights or impair visibility to you or other boaters.

•   Unsafe Electrical: Ensure all fixtures and wiring are minimum IP66-rated or better for marine environments,

•   Nighttime "give way" and "stand on" boating rules: Whenever you meet another boat, it’s like approaching an unmarked intersection in your car. Knowing a few, simple right-of-way rules will help you avoid a collision. Just as motorists must know what to do when approaching a four-way stop, every crossing on the water is like approaching an unmarked intersection.

At night, "give way" and "stand on" boating rules dictate which vessel must yield and which must maintain course and speed. These responsibilities are determined entirely by the color and position of the navigation lights you see, which helps you quickly identify the angle and direction of other boats.

•   Rules apply to vessels in all conditions of visibility. Rules are the same at night or in fog, as they are during a sunny day.

•   Every vessel must always maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing. Operator inattention and not having an adequate lookout are a leading cause of boating accidents each year.

Boat Navigation Lights:

•   Red Light: This is the port (left) side light. Seeing a red light means you are looking at another boat's left side.

•   Green Light: This is the starboard (right) side light. Seeing a green light means you are looking at another boat's right side.

•   White Light: Often the stern light (back of the boat) or an all-around anchor light for a boat at anchor.

As the Give-Way Vessel (boat that must yield):

You are the Give-Way vessel if a boat is approaching and you see their Red navigation light crossing your path. This means the other boat has the right-of-way. 

•   Action Required: Make an early, obvious, and substantial change in course or speed.

•   Rule of thumb: Alter your course to pass safely behind the other vessel. Never cross in front of the Stand-On vessel (the boat that holds course).

As the Stand-On Vessel (boat that has the right-of-way)

if a boat is approaching and you see their Green navigation light. 

•   Action Required: Maintain your current course and speed.

•   The Catch: If the Give-Way vessel fails to act or a collision becomes unavoidable, the Stand-On vessel is legally required to take evasive action to avoid the crash.

Common Night Boating Scenarios:

•   Crossing: If you see a green light crossing from left to right, you are the Stand-On vessel. If you see a red light crossing from right to left, you are the Give-Way vessel.

•   Meeting Head-On: If you see both red and green lights directly ahead, there is no Stand-On or Give-Way vessel. Both boats must alter course to starboard (right) so they pass port-to-port (left side to left side).

•   Overtaking: If you are coming up behind another boat and only see their white stern light, you are the Give-Way vessel. You can pass on either side but must keep well clear. 

Operating in a Narrow Channel:

First and foremost, you must avoid larger vessels that can only travel in a channel. Even if your vessel is operating under the rules, you must give way to a boat that could potentially run aground or get into a collision if they left the channel. Try and operate on the edge of the channel. Be extra cautious if you come to a bend in the waterway and can’t see traffic coming towards you. You may sound a prolonged blast as a warning to traffic headed your way.

 Emergency Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) lanyard:

As of April 2021, federal law requires boaters to wear an Emergency Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) lanyard when operating on plane or above displacement speed. This rule applies to boats under 26 feet with 3+ horsepower, and the switch must be attached to the operator's clothing, PFD, or body.

•   The Law: The U.S. Coast Guard requires the ECOS to be used on "covered recreational vessels" when in motion. 

•   Why It's Critical: It prevents "runaway boat" scenarios, where an operator is thrown overboard and the vessel continues to circle, risking propeller strikes.

•   Best Practices:

Attachment: Clip the lanyard to your belt, PFD, or ankle to   prevent it from restricting arm movement.

Versatility: Use it while docking or in high-traffic areas, not just at high speeds.

Wireless: Consider wireless, wearable kill switches that     offer more movement than traditional coiled lanyards.

•   Maintenance: Always keep a spare lanyard on board, as they can break or get lost.

•   Motor Shuts Off: If the motor stops unexpectedly, the first thing to check is that the kill switch is fully secured. 

For more details on the exact equipment required in Virginia waters, you can check the Virginia DWR Required Boat Equipment Guide or the DWR Boaters Guide. 

 The 3 R rule in Boating: This rule stands for Recognize, React, and Recover. This is a safety guideline reminding boaters to identify hazards early, take proper action to avoid them, and regain safe control afterward.

Finally, as a boater, you have a responsibility to all other boaters – and all others who enjoy the water – to be courteous and respectful of others. This means that you should always watch your boat noise, avoid congested waters as much as possible, avoid disturbing wildlife and grass, and look out for the safety and well-being of other boaters by giving a hand to those in need.

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