Boating safety course
Navigation Lights and Shapes
Master the complete system of navigation lights, day shapes, and sound signals required by federal law. Learn to identify all vessel types by their lighting configurations, understand sound signal protocols for both clear and restricted visibility, and apply the technical requirements of 33 CFR Parts 83-84.
8 lessonsAbout 240 minutes
- 01Introduction to Navigation Lights: Purpose, Application, and Legal FrameworkUnderstand the fundamental purpose of navigation lights, when they must be displayed (Rule 20), the legal definitions of light types (Rule 21), technical specifications (33 CFR 84), visibility requirements (Rule 22), and penalties for violations.
- 02Power-Driven Vessel Lights (Rule 23)Learn the complete lighting configurations for power-driven vessels of all sizes, from vessels over 50 meters requiring two masthead lights to small craft under 12 meters using simplified all-round white light configurations.
- 03Sailing Vessel Lights and Day Shapes (Rule 25)Master the lighting configurations for sailing vessels underway, including the three optional lighting systems, motorsailer requirements, and the critical cone-shaped day signal for sailing vessels under power.
- 04Special Operations: Towing, Fishing, and Restricted Vessels (Rules 24, 26, 27, 28)Learn the distinctive lighting patterns for vessels engaged in special operations including towing, fishing, vessels not under command, vessels restricted in ability to maneuver, and vessels constrained by draft.
- 05Stopped Vessels: Anchored, Aground, and Dredging (Rule 30 & 27d)Master the lighting and day shape requirements for vessels at anchor, vessels aground, and the special traffic-directing signals for dredging operations.
- 06Sound Signals in Sight: Maneuvering and Warning (Rule 34)Master the sound signal system for vessels in sight of each other, including the critical distinction between Inland (intent) and International (action) signals, overtaking signals, bend signals, and the danger signal.
- 07Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility (Rule 35)Learn the mandatory fog signals for all vessel types, including the critical differences between vessels making way vs. stopped, and the bell/gong signals for anchored and aground vessels.
- 08Day Shapes: The Language of Daylight (Annex I & Rules)Master the complete system of day shapes including specifications, the cumulative logic of combining shapes, and practical identification of all vessel types by their day shape displays.
25 questions, 80% to pass. The quiz and your progress need a free account; the lessons above do not.