The current Ohio DNR Watercraft website can be found at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov as of March 15, 2013.

Required Navigation Lights

Visibility of Lights
(OAC 1501.47-2-22)
On boats less than 39.4 feet in length (12 meters) the white masthead light and stern light must be visible for two miles. The red and green sidelights must be visible for one mile. Boats greater than 12 meters in length have requirements of greater visibility.

Power Driven Vessels Underway
(OAC 1501.47-2-23)
Vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) shall exhibit navigation lights as shown in Figure 1.

Vessels less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) shall exhibit navigation lights as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2.

Figure 1   Figure 2

 

Sailing Vessels Underway
(OAC 1501.47-2-25)
Sailing vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) shall exhibit navigation lights as shown in Figure 3, Figure 4, or Figure 5.


Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5
Sidelights may be combined. Split lighting shown.

Sailing vessels less than 23 feet (7 meters) shall, if practical, exhibit lights as shown in Figures 3, 4, or 5. If it is not practical, it shall have an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light in sufficient time to prevent collision.

electric torch or lighted lantern

Vessels Under Oars
(OAC 1501.47-2-25)
A vessel under oars may exhibit lights for sailing vessels, but if not, shall have an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light in sufficient time to prevent collision.

Anchored Vessels
(OAC 1501.47-2-30)
A white light visible all around the horizon shall be exhibited by vessels while at anchor.
The current Ohio DNR Watercraft website can be found at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov as of March 15, 2013.