SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-small-sail-oars-light

At night, a rowboat with no navigation lights must at least have what ready?

A flashlight or lantern showing a white light, shown in time to prevent a collision.

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  1. A red flare
  2. A white flashlight or lantern ✔
  3. Reflective tape on the hull

Why: Rule 25 allows a rowboat to show sidelights and a sternlight. If it does not, it must show or have ready a white light in time to prevent collision.

Huh, didn't know that: Put a motor on a sailboat, canoe or kayak and it counts as a power-driven vessel, with power-driven lights.

The dad joke
Why did the rowboat bring a flashlight? It wanted to be a bright idea.
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References

Answer: A white flashlight or lantern. Rule 25 allows a rowboat to show sidelights and a sternlight. If it does not, it must show or have ready a white light in time to prevent collision.

  1. 33 CFR 83.25, Inland Navigation Rule 25 www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.25
    have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (Nov 2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
    A sailing vessel or human-powered vessel (Canoe/Kayak/SUP) under mechanical propulsion is considered a power-driven vessel.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterA powerboat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) may show which lights instead of the full set?Boating & WaterAt night you see a red, a green and a white light together. What is that boat doing?Boating & WaterCan you run bright decorative LED lights on your boat at night?

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