Section 352-60-060. Navigation lights and shapes.

The requirements of this section are equal to the rules established in Chapter 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 81 and 82.

Application.

(1) The requirements in this section shall be complied with in all weathers. The requirements concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for lights specified by the United States Coast Guard, or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. Lights and shapes shall meet the requirements for visibility, color, shape, and location as required by Chapter 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 81-72, Appendix A, Rules 21, 22, and Annex I, as amended.

(2) The lights herein prescribed shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.

(3) The requirements concerning shapes shall be complied with by day.

(4)(a) Power-driven vessels underway - International waters.

(i) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(A) A masthead light forward;

(B) A second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than fifty meters (164.0 feet) in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so;

(C) Sidelights; and

(D) A sternlight.

(ii) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen.

(iii) A power-driven vessel of less than twelve meters (39.4 feet) in length may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection, exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.

(A) A power-driven vessel of less than seven meters (23.0 feet) in length whose maximum speed does not exceed seven knots may in lieu of the lights prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection exhibit an all-round white light and shall, if practicable, also exhibit sidelights;

(B) The masthead light or all-round white light on a power-driven vessel of less than twelve meters (39.4 feet) in length may be displaced from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel if centerline fitting is not practicable, provided that the sidelights are combined in one lantern which shall be carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel or located as nearly as practicable in the same fore and aft line as the masthead light or the all-round white light.

(b) Power-driven vessels underway - Inland waters.

(i) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(A) A masthead light forward; except that a vessel of less than twenty meters (65.6 feet) in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable;

(B) A second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than fifty meters (164.0 feet) in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so;

(C) Sidelights; and

(D) A sternlight.

(ii) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen.

(iii) A power-driven vessel of less than twelve meters (39.4 feet) in length may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection, exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.

(5) Towing and pushing.

(a) International waters.

(i) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:

(A) Instead of the light prescribed either in subsection (4)(a)(i)(A) or (B) of this section, two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet), three such lights in a vertical line;

(B) Sidelights;

(C) A sternlight;

(D) A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and

(E) When the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet), a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(ii) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in subsection (4)(a) of this section.

(iii) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except in the case of a composite unit, shall exhibit:

(A) Instead of the light prescribed in subsection (4)(a)(i)(A) or (B) of this section, two masthead lights in a vertical line;

(B) Sidelights,

(C) A sternlight.

(iv) A power-driven vessel to which (a)(i) or (iii) of this subsection apply shall also comply with subsection (4)(a)(i)(B) of this section.

(v) A vessel or object being towed, other than those mentioned in (a)(vii) of this subsection, shall exhibit:

(A) Sidelights;

(B) A sternlight;

(C) When the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet), a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(vi) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel.

(A) A vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights;

(B) A vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end, sidelights.

(vii) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed shall exhibit:

(A) If it is less than twenty-five meters (82.0 feet) in breadth, one all-round white light at or near the forward end and one at or near the after end except that dracones need not exhibit a light at or near the forward end;

(B) If it is twenty-five meters (82.0 feet) or more in breadth, two additional all-round white lights at or near the extremities of its breadth;

(C) If it exceeds one hundred meters (328.1 feet) in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in (a)(vii)(A) and (B) of this subsection so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 meters (328.1 feet);

(D) A diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed; and if the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet) an additional diamond shape where it can best be seen and located as far forward as is practicable.

(viii) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in (a)(v) or (vii) of this subsection, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of such vessel or object.

(ix) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights or shapes prescribed by (a)(i) or (iii) of this subsection, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being towed as authorized by WAC 352-60-066(5), in particular by illuminating the towline.

(b) Inland waters.

(i) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:

(A) Instead of the light prescribed either in subsection (4)(b)(i)(A) or (B) of this section, two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from stern to the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet), three such lights in a vertical line;

(B) Sidelights;

(C) A sternlight;

(D) A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and

(E) When the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet), a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(ii) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in subsection (4)(b) of this section.

(iii) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by (b)(ii) of this subsection, shall exhibit:

(A) Instead of the light prescribed either in subsection (4)(b)(i)(A) or (B) of this section, two masthead lights in a vertical line;

(B) Sidelights; and

(C) Two towing lights in a vertical line.

(iv) A power-driven vessel to which (b)(i) or (iii) of this subsection apply shall also comply with subsection (4)(b)(i)(A) and (B) of this section.

(v) A vessel or object other than those referred to in (b)(vii) of this subsection being towed shall exhibit:

(A) Sidelights;

(B) A sternlight; and

(C) When the length of the tow exceeds two hundred meters (656.2 feet), a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(vi) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel:

(A) A vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights, and a special flashing light; and

(B) A vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end sidelights.

(vii) An inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed shall exhibit:

(A) If it is less than twenty-five meters (82.0 feet) in breadth, one all-round white light at or near each end;

(B) If it is twenty-five meters (82.0 feet) or more in breadth, four all-round white lights to mark its length and breadth;

(C) If it exceeds one hundred meters (328.1 feet) in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in (b)(vii)(A) and (B) of this subsection so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed one hundred meters (328.1 feet): Provided, That any vessels or objects being towed alongside each other shall be lighted as one vessel or object;

(D) A diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed; and

(E) The towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel.

(viii) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights prescribed in (b)(v) or (vii) of this subsection, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of the unlighted vessel or object.

(ix) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by (b)(i) or (iii) of this subsection, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being assisted. The searchlight authorized by WAC 352-60-066(5) may be used to illuminate the tow.

(6) Sailing vessels underway and vessels under oars - International and inland waters.

(a) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

(i) Sidelights; and

(ii) A sternlight.

(b) In a sailing vessel of less than twenty meters (65.6 feet) in length the lights prescribed in (a) of this subsection may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.

(c) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in (a) of this subsection, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they 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 permitted by (b) of this subsection.

(d)(i) A sailing vessel of less than seven meters (23.0 feet) in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in (a) or (b) of this subsection, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(ii) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this subsection for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(e) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downward: Provided, That for inland waters only, a vessel of less than twelve meters (39.4 feet) in length is not required to exhibit this shape, but may do so.

(7) Fishing vessels - International and inland waters.

(a) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this subsection.

(b) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit:

(i) Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than twenty meters (65.6 feet) in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket;

(ii) A masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than fifty meters (164.0 feet) in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so; and

(iii) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(c) A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:

(i) Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than twenty meters (65.6 feet) in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket;

(ii) When there is outlying gear extending more than one hundred fifty meters (492.1 feet) horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upward in the direction of the gear; and

(iii) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(d) A vessel engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing may exhibit the additional signals as found in Chapter 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 81, Annex II and Part 85, Annex II.

(e) A vessel when not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this subsection, but only those prescribed for a vessel of her length.

(8) Vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver - International and inland waters.

(a) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:

(i) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen;

(ii) Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen; and

(iii) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(b) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in mineclearance operations, shall exhibit:

(i) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;

(ii) Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond;

(iii) When making way through the water, a masthead light or lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in (b)(i) of this subsection; and

(iv) When at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in (b)(i) and (ii) of this subsection, the light, lights or shapes prescribed in subsection (11) of this section.

(c) A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall exhibit:

(i) For inland waters, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in (b)(i) and (ii) of this subsection, exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in WAC 352-60-066 (5)(b);

(ii) For international waters, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in subsection (5)(a)(i) of this section, exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in (b)(i) and (ii) of this subsection.

(d) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in her ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in (b)(i), (ii), and (iii) of this subsection and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:

(i) Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists;

(ii) Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass; and

(iii) When at anchor, the lights or shape prescribed by this paragraph, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in subsection (11) of this section for anchored vessels.

(e) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in (d) of this subsection, the following shall be exhibited:

(i) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;

(ii) A rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" not less than one meter (3.3 feet) in height. Measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility.

(f) A vessel engaged in mineclearance operations shall in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel in subsection (4) of this section or to the lights or shape prescribed for a vessel at anchor in subsection (11) of this section as appropriate, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach within one thousand meters (3280.8 feet) of the mineclearance vessel.

(g) A vessel of less than twelve meters (39.4 feet) in length, except when engaged in diving operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this subsection.

(h) The signals prescribed in this subsection are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in Chapter 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 87, Annex IV: Distress Signals.

(9) Vessels constrained by their draft - International waters. A vessel constrained by her draft may, in addition to the lights prescribed for power-driven vessels in subsection (4)(a) of this section, exhibit where they can best be seen three all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder.

(10) Pilot vessels - International and inland waters.

(a) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

(i) At or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red;

(ii) When underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight; and

(iii) When at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection, the anchor light, lights, or shape prescribed in subsection (11) of this section for anchored vessels.

(b) A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a vessel of her length.

(11) Anchored vessels and vessels aground - International and inland waters.

(a) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

(i) In the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and

(ii) At or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in (a)(i) of this subsection, an all-round white light.

(b) A vessel of less than fifty meters (164.0 feet) in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in (a) of this subsection.

(c) A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of one hundred meters (328.1 feet) or more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.

(d) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in (a) or (b) of this subsection and in addition, where they can best be seen:

(i) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line; and

(ii) Three balls in a vertical line.

(e) A vessel of less than seven meters (23.0 feet) in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway, anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in (a) and (b) of this subsection.

(f) A vessel of less than twelve meters (39.4 feet) in length when aground shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in (d)(i) and (ii) of this subsection.

(g) For inland waters only, a vessel of less than twenty meters (65.6 feet) in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the United States Coast Guard, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this subsection.

(12) Seaplanes - International and inland waters. Where it is impracticable for a seaplane to exhibit lights and shapes of the characteristics or in the positions prescribed in the requirements section she shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in characteristics and position as is possible.

(13) Law enforcement vessels - Inland waters.

(a) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights.

(b) The blue light described in this subsection may only be displayed by law enforcement vessels of the United States, Washington, and its political subdivisions. The use of blue lights by other vessels is prohibited.

(14) Public safety activities - Inland waters.

(a) Vessels engaged in government sanctioned public safety activities, and commercial vessels performing similar functions, may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal. This identification light signal must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights. The identification light signal may be used only as an identification signal and conveys no special privilege. Vessels using the identification light signal during public safety activities must abide by the rules found in WAC 352-60-060, 352-60-065, 352-60-066, and 352-60-070, and must not presume that the light or the exigency gives them precedence or right of way.

(b) Public safety activities include but are not limited to patrolling marine parades, regattas, or special water celebrations; traffic control; salvage; firefighting; medical assistance; assisting disabled vessels; and search and rescue.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.400, 88.12.065, 88.12.125, 88.12.245 and chapter 33, C.F.R. Part 175.15. WSR 94-16-027, § 352-60-060, filed 7/25/94, effective 8/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.400. WSR 84-11-057 (Order 79), § 352-60-060, filed 5/18/84.]

RCW 43.51.400, 88.12.065, 88.12.125, 88.12.245 and chapter 33, C.F.R. Part 175.15. WSR 94-16-027, § 352-60-060, filed 7/25/94, effective 8/25/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.400. WSR 84-11-057 (Order 79), § 352-60-060, filed 5/18/84.

Rules

352-60-066,352-60-066,352-60-066,352-60-065,352-60-066,352-60-070,