Section 83.22 - Visibility of lights (Rule 22)The lights prescribed in these Rules (Subpart C) shall have an intensity as specified in Annex I to these Rules ( 33 CFR part 84 ), so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:
(a) In a vessel of 50 meters or more in length:(i) A masthead light, 6 miles;(ii) A sidelight, 3 miles;(iii) A sternlight, 3 miles;(iv) A towing light, 3 miles;(v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles; and(vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles.(b) In a vessel of 12 meters or more in length but less than 50 meters in length: (i) A masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, 3 miles;(ii) A sidelight, 2 miles;(iii) A sternlight, 2 miles;(iv) A towing light, 2 miles;(v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles; and(vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles.(c) In a vessel of less than 12 meters in length:(i) A masthead light, 2 miles;(ii) A sidelight, 1 mile;(iii) A sternlight, 2 miles;(iv) A towing light, 2 miles;(v) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles; and(vi) A special flashing light, 2 miles.(d) In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or objects being towed: (i) A white all-round light, 3 miles.USCG-2012-0102, 79 FR 37912 , July 2, 2014, as amended by USCG-2012-0102, 79 FR 68621 , Nov. 18, 2014; USCG-2020-0304, 85 FR 58277 , Sept. 18, 2020 USCG-2020-0304, 85 FR 58277, 9/18/2020