A. Every vessel in all weathers between the hours from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility shall carry and exhibit the lights prescribed by the United States Coast Guard when under way, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Every power-driven vessel shall carry and exhibit:
2. Any power-driven vessel of less than twelve (12) meters, or less than thirty-nine (39) feet four and one-half (4 1/2) inches in length may carry and exhibit, in lieu of the lights prescribed in paragraph 1 of this subsection, an all-around white light and side lights;
3. Every sailing vessel shall carry and exhibit:
4. Any sailing vessel of less than twenty (20) meters, or less than sixty-five (65) feet seven and one-half (7 1/2) inches, in length may combine the lights prescribed in paragraph 3 of this subsection within one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can be seen as nearly all-around as possible;
5. Any sailing vessel may carry and exhibit, in addition to the lights prescribed in paragraph 3 of this subsection but not in conjunction with any combination lantern as provided in paragraph 4 of this subsection, two all-around lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower being green, at or near the top of the mast where they can be seen as nearly all-around as possible;
6. Every sailing vessel of less than seven (7) meters, or less than twenty-three (23) feet eleven and one-half (11 1/2) inches in length shall carry and exhibit if practicable, the lights prescribed in paragraph 3 or 4 of this subsection. If such exhibition is not practicable, there shall be carried ready at hand on the vessel a lantern or flashlight showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to avert collision;
7. Every sailing vessel propelled by a combination of sail and motor shall carry and exhibit the lights of a power-driven vessel prescribed in paragraph 1 or 2 of this subsection;
8. Every manually powered vessel may carry and exhibit the lights prescribed in this subsection for sailing vessels. If such lights are not carried and exhibited, there shall be carried ready at hand on the vessel a lantern or flashlight showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to avert collision; and
9. Every vessel at anchor shall carry and exhibit an all-around white light in such a position where it may best be seen. The deck of an anchored vessel may be illuminated by available auxiliary lights, provided the auxiliary lights do not interfere with the visibility of required lights or impair the safe navigation of other vessels.
For purposes of this section, "restricted visibility" shall mean any condition which restricts visibility including but not limited to fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rain or sandstorm.
B. Every vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or other sound-producing mechanical appliance; provided, however, no vessel, except for emergency and law enforcement vessels, shall be equipped with a siren.
C. Every vessel of eight (8) meters or greater, or twenty-six (26) feet three (3) inches or greater, in length shall be equipped with an efficient bell.
D. Every vessel shall be required to carry:
1. At least one wearable personal flotation device for each person on board so placed as to be readily accessible and of a size suitable to the person who is or will be wearing it; and
2. At least one type IV (throwable) personal flotation device on board, so placed as to be readily accessible. This paragraph shall not apply to any vessel under sixteen (16) feet in length.
All lifesaving devices shall be in good and serviceable condition.
E. Every vessel using flammable liquid as fuel shall be equipped with such number, size, and type of United States Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher as prescribed in the rules of the Department of Public Safety. Such extinguisher shall be capable of promptly and effectively extinguishing burning fuel. Fire extinguishers shall be at all times kept in condition for immediate and effective use and shall be so placed and secured to the vessel as to be readily accessible.
F. The provisions of subsections B, C, and E of this section shall not apply to vessels while competing in any race conducted pursuant to Section 4205 of this title, or, if such vessels are designed and intended solely for racing, while engaged in such navigation as is incidental to the tuning up of vessels and motors for the race.
G. Every vessel shall have the carburetor or carburetors of every motor therein, except outboard motors, using any liquid as fuel, equipped with a United States Coast Guard or U.L. or S.A.E. approved backfire flame arrestor or other appropriate attachment, as prescribed by the rules of the Department of Public Safety.
H. Every vessel, except open vessels, using any liquid as fuel shall be provided with such means as may be prescribed by the United States Coast Guard for properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of the motor and fuel tank compartments so as to remove any explosive or inflammable gases.
I. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel which is not equipped as required by this section or modification thereof and as prescribed in the rules of the Department of Public Safety.
Added by Laws 1989, c. 346, § 59, emerg. eff. June 3, 1989. Amended by Laws 1992, c. 284, § 33, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Laws 1997, c. 199, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; Laws 2003, c. 393, § 5, emerg. eff. June 4, 2003.