When must navigation lights be displayed?

Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise as a standard safety measure for vessels operating in waters where visibility may be compromised due to darkness. This requirement is essential for ensuring that a vessel is visible to others in the surrounding area, which helps prevent collisions and improves overall maritime safety.

Beyond just the mandate for night operations, visible navigation lights contribute to situational awareness, allowing other vessels to determine the position, heading, and activity of your vessel. While other times may seem appropriate for displaying lights—such as during maneuvers or when entering a harbor—these are not the specified times outlined in maritime regulations for mandatory light display, which is strictly from sunset to sunrise.