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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
Chapter 420. Watercraft: Navigation Lights and Shapes
4/2/2023

4VAC15-420-100. Anchored vessels and vessels aground.

A. A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

1. In the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and

2. At or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subdivision 1 of this subsection, an all-round white light.

B. A vessel of less than 164 feet (50 meters) in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in subsection A of this section.

C. A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 238.1 feet (100 meters) or more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate its decks.

D. A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in subsection A or B of this section and in addition, if practicable, where they can best be seen:

1. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line; and

2. Three balls in a vertical line.

E. A vessel of less than 23 feet (7 meters) in length, when at anchor, not in or near a narrow channel, fairway, anchorage, or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in subsections A and B of this section.

F. A vessel of less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length when aground shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in subdivisions D 1 and D 2 of this section.

G. A vessel of less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the secretary, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this section.

Statutory Authority

§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.

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