Page 14 - Experience Oregon Boating Handbook

Lighting However, vessels less than 7 meters (23 feet) are not

All boats must show running lights between sunset and required to display anchor lights unless anchored in or near

sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. A sailboat a narrow channel, fairway, anchorage or where other vessels

operating under power or under power and sail, must normally navigate.

display the proper lights for a power boat. Check lights Also, anchor lights are not required on vessels less than 20

regularly to ensure that they are working properly. meters (65 feet-7 inches), anchored by 7

This section describes the inland and international a special anchorage area designated

requirements for boats less than 20 meters (65 feet 7 nches). by the Secretary of Transportation.

In many cases, the 1 2 W COLOR Day shape
lights prescribed WW WW CODE
for a particular Vessels under sail and being
boat are the same R R W=White propelled by motor must display a
under both rules. R=Red conical day shape, apex down, for the
Any exceptions are GW G=Green best visibility (see graphic 7). Vessels
noted. A G less than 12 meters are not required to
B exhibit the day shape in inland waters.
or B R R or
G A
G

Power-Driven Boats Automotive Equipment

On inland and international waters, a power driven boat Equipment such as starter motors, alternators/generators
shall exhibit navigation lights, as shown in graphic number and air cleaners are not intrinsically safe and should not be
one (1). Vessels less than 12 meters (39 feet-4 inches) may used in gasoline powered boats. These electrical devices are
show the lights shone in figure 1 or 2. In international not“ignition protected”and may generate sparks that can
waters, a power driven boat of less than 7 meters (23 feet) cause fires and explosions on inboard engines.
in length, whose maximum speed cannot exceed 7 knots

may exhibit an all round white light, and if practicable, also Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
exhibit sidelights.

Range and Degree of Visibility of Lights Carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct of internal
combustion engines, is an invisible, odorless, tasteless
Locations Visible Range Degree gas. CO can make you sick in seconds. In high enough
Vessel less than Vessel 12 meters of more concentrations, even a few breaths can be fatal. Sources
Masthead 12 meters but less than 20 meters 225ϒ of CO on your vessel may include engines, gas generators,
Light
2 Miles 3 Miles

All-round or 2 Miles 2 Miles 360ϒ cooking ranges and space and water heaters. A good
Light 1 Mile 1 Mile 112.5ϒ precaution is to keep air moving through the boat.
Side 2 Miles 2 Miles 135ϒ
Light • Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes,
Stern headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness. Symptoms
Light

Sailboats and Manually Propelled Boats (Paddlecraft) are often confused with seasickness or intoxication. Get
NOTE: a sailboat under motor-power and sail is considered anyone with these symptoms into fresh air immediately.
Seek medical attention unless you’re sure it’s not CO
a power-driven boat. poisoning.
Sailboats under sail alone must exhibit navigation lights
• Protect yourself and others by keeping fresh air flowing
shone in graphics three, four or five. through and around the vessel, know where your engine
exhaust outlets are, and keep everyone away from them.
3 45 R 6 W This is especially important on houseboats, where people
WR R G

GG

W W W A W often gather to rest after swimming.
WR G W C • Boaters are encouraged to install a CO detector.

R G B R A R B If your boat is equipped with a swim platform, turn off all
A or or G
G B

Sailboats of less than 7 meters (23 feet) in length , may engines with transom exhaust ports, while it is in use or if
carry a flashlight or lighted lantern showing a white light that people are swimming behind the boat, and advise swimmers
shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision (see never to go under the platform. Never pull people who are
figure 6c). holding onto swim platforms. This is called teak surfing and
is against the law in Oregon. Carbon monoxide can collect in
A manually propelled boat less than 23 feet may: a) display enclosed spaces such as under swim platforms and in cabins.
those lights prescribed for sailboats or, b) have ready at hand

and flashlight or lighted lantern showing a white light to

Ventilation (Fuel Vapors)display in sufficient time to prevent a collision (see figure 6).
Anchor Lights Any boat using a fuel with a flashpoint of 110° or less
(gasoline but not diesel) that has any enclosed engine or fuel
Power-driven boats and sailboats at anchor must display tanks spaces (not open to the atmosphere) , must have an
efficient ventilation system to disperse explosive gases.
anchor lights. An anchor light is an all-round white light

14 visible for 2 miles and exhibited forward where it can be seen
the best.