BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Right-of-way and navigation rules are the same whether you’re boating during the day or at night. However, when you’re boating at night, determining which direction boat traffic is approaching from can be more challenging.

When boating at night, operators must be able to determine the speed, position and size of other boats based on which navigation lights they have.

Remember: If you’re not in sight of other vessels due to poor visibility while boating, you are required to proceed at a safe speed that is appropriate for the current circumstances and visibility conditions. Always operate with extra caution when boating in times of restricted visibility such as at night, or when it’s foggy or rainy.

Navigation Lights

Navigation lights must be used on boats that operate from sunset to sunrise, or during periods of restricted visibility.

The navigation lights you are required to display depend on:

• The size of your boat
• If your boat is non-powered, sail driven, or power driven
• If your boat is underway or at anchor

For example: Power-driven boats must display a masthead light, sidelights and a sternlight, whereas a non-powered boat must display an electric torch or lantern with a single white light.