Boat Navigation Lights – Marine Running Lights

Boat Running Lights Resources and Information

Boat navigation lights - also called running lights or position lights - are essential for safe boating after dark. These lights show your vessel’s position, direction, and status, helping prevent collisions and ensuring compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. At PartsVu, we offer a wide range of marine navigation lights from trusted brands like Attwood Marine, Perko, Aqua Signal, Lopolight, and more.

Why are boat navigation lights important?

• Safety: Clearly signal your boat’s position and movement to other vessels.
• Compliance: U.S. Coast Guard and COLREGs regulations require proper lights between sunset and sunrise.
• Visibility: Ensure your boat is seen in low light, fog, or rough weather.
• Durability: Quality marine navigation lights are designed to withstand saltwater, UV, and vibration.

Shop PartsVu’s complete selection of boat navigation lights:

• Sidelights (red/green) – Show port and starboard sides.
• Masthead lights – Required for power-driven vessels.
• Stern lights – Indicate the vessel’s rear position.
• All-around lights – For smaller boats or specific conditions.
• LED navigation lights – Long-lasting, energy-efficient options.

Replacement bulbs, lenses, and hardware – For easy maintenance.

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories. You can also shop our broader selection of Electrical and Lighting Accessories for Boats or Boat Lighting Products and Accessories.

At PartsVu, we make it easy to stay compliant and safe with a full range of boat navigation lights and accessories. From replacement bulbs to rugged LED fixtures, we provide everything you need to meet regulations and ensure visibility on the water.

Marine Navigation Lights FAQs

What are the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for navigation lights?

All recreational boats must display navigation lights from sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility. Visibility range is typically 1 NM for small boats and up to 2–3 NM for larger vessels; required light combinations depend on length and propulsion. See the USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGs) for diagrams and specifics.

Do I need navigation lights at night?

Yes — between sunset and sunrise and in restricted visibility, with the arrangement required for your vessel’s length/type.

How do I maintain navigation lights?

Rinse with fresh water, inspect lenses/gaskets, check fasteners and ground, verify brightness/arc at dusk, and replace weather-cracked lenses immediately. For incandescent, keep spare bulbs aboard.

Can I install marine navigation lights myself?

Yes, if you follow the fixture’s arc/height rules, use tinned marine wiring, fuse correctly, and seal penetrations. If unsure, hire an ABYC-certified installer.

What are the different types of boat navigation lights?

Common lights include sidelights, masthead lights, stern lights, and all-around white lights. Requirements depend on boat size and type.

LED vs. incandescent — are LEDs legal?

Yes — when USCG-approved. Always use fixtures that state compliance (not just “LED”). Avoid swapping generic LED bulbs into non-approved housings, which can distort the arc/intensity.

How far should navigation lights be visible?

Most recreational vessels must have lights visible for at least 1 nautical mile. Larger boats may need lights visible up to 2–3 miles.

Do I need a navigation light on my boat? 

Recreational boats operating at night must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise. The basic rule is that sidelights, the masthead, and stern lights are required. However, please refer to the US Coast Guard’s “A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boaters” for details.

Recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility (fog, rain, haze, etc ) The U S Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International-In-land, specifies lighting requirements for every description of watercraft The information provided below is for power-driven and sailing vessels less than 65 5 feet (20 meters) in length.

If your power-driven vessel is less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length and its maximum speed does not exceed 7 knots, then it may display an all-around white light and, if possible, sidelights, instead of the lights prescribed previously.

For power-driven vessels, less than 39 4 feet (12 meters) in length, the masthead or all-around white light must be at least 3 3 feet (1 meter) above the sidelights.

To alert other vessels of conditions that may be hazardous, there are requirements to display lights at night and shapes during the day.

What makes Lopolight navigation lights unique?

Lopolight has improved their already rugged navigation lights for super yachts and leisure vessels by toughening the outer shell with a hard coat anodizing in black. The professional series includes an IP68 waterproof aluminum base – that allows the termination of the ship's cable inside the light. They even add various sizes of high-quality cable glands to allow for perfect installation from 19mm (3/4") to 5mm (3/16").

The light installs on a plastic (HDPE) base plate, that allows for easy installation and isolates the light from the ship.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Lopolight Professional Series is that it comes as a system, incorporating its unique Control and Monitoring System. They will also assist with specifying the best solution for you.

All Lopolight lights are fully potted; the electronics are 100% protected against water and vibration. Only UV-stable materials are used, such as acrylic lenses and marine-grade aluminum.

The Lopolight Navigation Light Control and monitoring system is a modern and versatile system, that will be tailored to your specifications, it holds type approval from several class societies such as ABS and Lloyds Register.

Lopolight will ensure that all relevant spare parts including instructions for service are on board your vessel and direct hotline access is available 24/7.

Lopolight will make a high-quality yellow pelicase available with spare parts for all lights onboard (a practical maximum of 8 different types), and spare parts for the NLC together with a troubleshooting guide and installation instructions.

The pelicase will be kept always updated, with Lopolight shipping replenishment items free of charge.

The Lights for Life program is offered for installations with Lopolight Navigation Lights and Lopolight Navigation Light Controller only.

Subscription-based service; monthly subscription fee based on the system list price.

When items from the case are used, the crew is obliged to fill out a warranty claim form (online at www.lopolight.com) and Lopolight will send a free-of-charge replacement part to the address specified.

Is the team behind Lopolight conscious about the environment?

Lopolight supplies its customers with lights and equipment that have a very long lifetime, which is the most important focus. The materials used in Lopolight products are quite easily recycled at the end of their lifecycle.

In producing their products, Lopolight has very short supply lines – all their suppliers are located North of the Alps. This enables them to reuse most of the packaging materials, by returning them to the suppliers for a refill. Cardboard crates that cannot be re-used are processed in the factory to cushion fill for products being shipped to customers.

Lopolight is constantly on the search for improvements. Currently, they have projects aiming at reducing our electricity purchase, by installing solar panels. They are also working on ways to improve the environmental profile of our product packaging.

What other boat safety equipment should I have on hand?

When out on the water, the only items you have are the ones you bring. People often forget about the possibility of minor injuries, but some additional preparedness will have you ready for anything.

• Bring a first aid kit along for all outings. This is especially important when fishing.
• Since the sun reflects off the water, it is wise to consistently apply proper sun protection to make sure you don’t get burned. Sun protective clothing is a smart choice— it provides all-day protection that doesn’t need reapplying. Pro-tip: some sunscreen is toxic to the marine environment and repels fish, who can smell even trace amounts on bait. For any part of your body not covered by UPF clothing, use sunscreen that’s both reef-safe and fish-friendly.
• While some boats are simply too large for this to be practical, carrying a paddle or two on board is a good idea in many cases. Even if you can’t paddle all the way back to a marina or dock when your engine goes, you may be able to reach the closest bit of land and wait for help. A good anchor with enough chains will also be helpful.
• We’ve written extensively on the importance of a VHF radio, but it simply can’t be overstated. Cell phones aren’t enough in many areas, and you’ll be glad to have security.
• Be alert to changing conditions on the water and aware of weather that can change quickly. The danger of boating in a storm is no joke!
• Finally, bring plenty of drinking water for everyone on board to stay hydrated. In the face of unexpected problems, you don’t want to be caught stuck on your boat with an insufficient water supply.

What are some other boating safety resources?

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons offer a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) as a free public service. These volunteer organizations assist the US Coast Guard by promoting boating safety. Check with them if you are unsure about whether you are in compliance with the safety requirements for your vessel. Having the proper education also ensures safer boating.

PartsVu offers more than 200,000 parts and products, including boating essentials, to help you safely enjoy your time on the water.

WHAT RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNS NAVIGATION LIGHTS?

The COLREGs (Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972). This small booklet with such a massive impact on safety at sea is a must-read for anybody going to sea. The COLREGs is a beautiful example of the world working together through the UN and IMO, with ratification from 155 states, representing nearly 99% of the world merchant fleet tonnage. The last third of the COLREGs is dedicated to navigation lights, rules 20 to 31 – and together with the annexes holds nearly everything that is important about how a navigation light should perform. US Coast Guard has been kind to put their version, with the US inland waterways included, online, and you can find it here: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=NavRulesAmalgamated

Stay safe on the water and ensure your boat is in compliance with the law with PartsVu's selection of marine navigation lights. Shop boat lighting products from top marine lighting suppliers, including Attwood Marine, Perko, Aqua Signal, Lopolight, Hella Marine, Seachoice, Sea-Dog, Marpac, Innovative Lighting, and others.