For vessels under 39.4 ft, which of the following nav light configurations is valid?

• A. 360 stern light and forward red/green
• B. Masthead light forward, red/green side lights, and stern light
• C. Both A and B are valid configurations
• D. Neither A nor B are valid configurations

Answer: (C)

For small power-driven vessels, navigation lights can be met in two valid ways. You can display the standard setup: a white forward light (masthead) indicating you’re underway, plus white light at the stern, with red sidelight on the port side and green sidelight on the starboard side. Alternatively, for shorter craft, you may use a single white all-around light (a 360-degree light) in place of separate forward and stern white lights, while still showing the red and green sidelights to indicate direction. Both arrangements keep you visible to other vessels and clearly indicate your heading, which is why each configuration is considered valid for vessels under 39.4 feet.