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:

a masthead light, 6 miles;

a sidelight, 3 miles;

a sternlight, 3 miles;

a towing light, 3 miles;

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:

a masthead light, 5 miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 metres, 3 miles;

a sidelight, 2 miles;

a sternlight, 2 miles;

a towing light, 2 miles;

a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

c. In vessels of less than 12 metres in length:

a masthead light, 2 miles; a sidelight, 1 mile;

a sternlight, 2 miles; a towing light, 2 miles;

a white, red, green or yellow all-round light, 2 miles.

d. In inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels or objects being towed:

a white all-round light, 3 miles.