When are navigation lights required on a boat?

Navigation lights are essential for ensuring the safety of all vessels operating on the water. They are required at all times when a boat is operating at night or in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog, rain, or heavy overcast. This requirement is in place because navigation lights help other boaters see your vessel and understand its size, position, and direction of travel, preventing accidents and collisions.

In contrast, navigation lights are not only necessary in inclement weather or when approaching a dock, as those situations do not encompass the complete range of conditions where visibility can be compromised. Similarly, while navigating during the day in busy harbors might pose its challenges, the use of navigation lights is specifically mandated during nighttime or low visibility situations to ensure continuous safety on the water in all conditions.