33 U.S.C. § 2023
Section 2023 · Power-driven vessels underway (Rule 23)
Amended 2 times on record
Applied in 1 court decisions — leading case 100 Conn. App. 389 - Michalski v. Hinz (2007)
Most recently applied in 100 Conn. App. 389 - Michalski v. Hinz (April 2007)
A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:
(i) a masthead light forward;
(ii) a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so;
(iii) sidelights; and
(iv) a sternlight.
An air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen.
A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule, exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.
A power-driven vessel when operating on the Great Lakes may carry an all-round white light in lieu of the second masthead light and sternlight prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule. The light shall be carried in the position of the second masthead light and be visible at the same minimum range.
Editorial notes U.S. Code · Office of the Law Revision Counsel
Codification
Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96–591 which enacted the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.
Amendments
1996—Par. (a)(i). Pub. L. 104–324, which directed the striking out of “except that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable;” after “masthead light forward”, was executed by striking out that language, which appeared after “masthead light forward;” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.