RULE 22

Visibility of Lights

The lights prescribed in these Rules shall have an intensity as specified in section 8 of Annex I to these Regulations so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(A). In vessels of 50 metres or more in length:

  1. a masthead light, 6 miles;
  2. a sidelight, 3 miles;
  3. a sternlight, 3 miles;
  4. a towing light, 3 miles;
  5. a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 3 miles.

(B). In vessels of 12 metres or more in length but less than 50 metres in length:

  1. a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 metres, 3 miles;
  2. a sidelight, 2 miles;
  3. a sternlight, 2 miles;
  4. a towing light, 2 miles;
  5. a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

(C). In vessels of less than 12 metres in length:

  1. a masthead light, 2 miles;
  2. a sidelight, 1 mile;
  3. a sternlight, 2 miles;
  4. a towing light, 2 miles;
  5. a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

(D). In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed:

  1. a white all-round light, 3 miles.