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State
Oregon
OAR Chapter 12 Oregon State Marine Board LIGHTS AND SHAPES


The Oregon Administrative Rules contain OARs filed through April 14, 2006

OREGON STATE MARINE BOARD

DIVISION 12

LIGHTS AND SHAPES



250-012-0001

Definitions

As used in this Division unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "All-Round Light" means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.

(2) "Flashing Light" means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.

(3) "Masthead Light" means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the masthead light shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

(4) "Sidelights" means a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. On a vessel of less than 20 meters in length the sidelights may be combined in one lantern carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel, except that on a vessel of less than 12 meters in length the sidelights when combined in one lantern shall be placed as nearly as practicable to the fore and aft centerline of the vessel.

(5) "Special Flashing Light" means a yellow light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 50 to 70 flashes per minute, placed as far forward and as nearly as practicable on the fore and aft centerline of the tow and showing on unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of not less than 180 degrees nor more than 225 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to abeam and no more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel.

(6) "Sternlight" means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.

(7) "Towing Light" means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the "sternlight" defined in section (6) of this rule.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.225
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0003

Visibility of Lights

The lights herein prescribed shall have an intensity so as to be visible at the following minimum ranges:

(1) In a vessel of 50 meters or more in length:

(a) A masthead light, six miles;

(b) A sidelight, three miles;

(c) A sternlight, three miles;

(d) A towing light, three miles;

(e) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, three miles; and a special flashing light, two miles.

(2) In a vessel of 12 meters or more in length but less that 50 meters in length:

(a) A masthead light, five miles; except that where the length of the vessel is less than 20 meters, three miles;

(b) A sidelight, two miles;

(c) A sternlight, two miles;

(d) A towing light, two miles;

(e) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, two miles; and a special flashing light, two miles.

(3) In a vessel of less than 12 meters in length:

(a) A masthead light, two miles;

(b) A sidelight, one mile;

(c) A sternlight, two miles;

(d) A towing light, two miles;

(e) A white, red, green or yellow all-round light, two miles; and a special flashing light, two miles.

(4) In an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed: A white all-round light, three miles.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.225
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0005

Application

(1) The requirements concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for lights herein specified, or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out.

(2) The lights herein prescribed shall, if carried, also be exhibited from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility and may be exhibited in all other circumstances when it is deemed necessary.

(3) When specified, shapes shall be complied with by day.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830.110 & ORS 830.250
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.225
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83; MB 16-1992, f. & cert. ef. 11-24-92



250-012-0010

Power-driven Vessels Underway

(1) A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit:

(a) A masthead light forward; except that a vessel of less than 20 meters in length need not exhibit this light forward of amidships but shall exhibit it as far forward as is practicable;

(b) A second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one; except that a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such light but may do so;

(c) Sidelights; and

(d) A sternlight.

(2) An air-cushion vessel when operating in the nondisplacement mode shall, in addition to the lights prescribed in section (1) of this rule, exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light where it can best be seen.

(3) A power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters in length may, in lieu of the lights prescribed in section (1) of this rule, exhibit an all-round white light and sidelights.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.225 & ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0015

Towing and Pushing

(1) A power-driven vessel when towing astern shall exhibit:

(a) Instead of the light prescribed either in OAR 250-012-0010(1)(a) or (b), two masthead lights in a vertical line. When the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line;

(b) Sidelights;

(c) A sternlight;

(d) A towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight; and

(e) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(2) When a pushing vessel and a vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit they shall be regarded as a power-driven vessel and exhibit the lights prescribed in OAR 250-012-0010.

(3) A power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as required by sections (2) and (9) of this rule, shall exhibit:

(a) Instead of the light prescribed either in OAR 250-012-0010(1)(a) or (b), two masthead lights in a vertical line;

(b) Sidelights; and

(c) Two towing lights in a vertical line.

(4) A power-driven vessel to which sections (1) and (3) of this rule apply shall also comply with OAR 250-012-0010(1)(a) and (b).

(5) A vessel or object other than those referred to in section (7) of this rule being towed shall exhibit:

(a) Sidelights;

(b) A sternlight; and

(c) When the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

(6) Provided that any number of vessels being towed alongside or pushed in a group shall be lighted as one vessel:

(a) A vessel being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit, shall exhibit at the forward end sidelights, and a special flashing light; and

(b) A vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit a sternlight and at the forward end sidelights.

(7) An inconspicuous, partly, submerged vessel or object being towed shall exhibit:

(a) If it is less than 25 meters in breadth, one all-round white light at or near each end;

(b) If it is 25 meters or more in breadth, four all-round white lights to mark its length and breadth;

(c) If it exceeds 100 meters in length, additional all-round white lights between the lights prescribed in subsections (7)(a) and (b) of this rule so that the distance between the lights shall not exceed 100 meters: Provided, that any vessels or objects being towed alongside each other shall be lighted as one vessel or object;

(d) A diamond shape at or near the aftermost extremity of the last vessel or object being towed; and

(e) The towing vessel may direct a searchlight in the direction of the tow to indicate its presence to an approaching vessel.

(8) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel or object being towed to exhibit the lights prescribed in sections (5) and (7) of this rule, all possible measures shall be taken to light the vessel or object towed or at least to indicate the presence of the unlighted vessel or object.

(9) Notwithstanding section (3) of this rule, on the Western Rivers and on waters specified by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside, except as section (2) of this rule applies, shall exhibit:

(a) Sidelights; and

(b) Two towing lights in a vertical line.

(10) Where from any sufficient cause it is impracticable for a vessel not normally engaged in towing operations to display the lights prescribed by sections (1), (3) and (9) of this rule, such vessel shall not be required to exhibit those lights when engaged in towing another vessel in distress or otherwise in need of assistance. All possible measures shall be taken to indicate the nature of the relationship between the towing vessel and the vessel being assisted. The searchlight authorized by OAR 250-013-0020 may be used to illuminate the tow.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830.110 & ORS 830.250
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83; MB 16-1992, f. & cert. ef. 11-24-92



250-012-0020

Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Manually Propelled

(1) A sailing vessel underway shall exhibit:

(a) Sidelights; and

(b) A sternlight.

(2) In a sailing vessel of less than 20 meters in length the lights prescribed in section (1) of this rule may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can best be seen.

(3) A sailing vessel underway may, in addition to the lights prescribed in section (1) of this rule, exhibit at or near the top of the mast, where they can best be seen, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower green, but these lights shall not be exhibited in conjunction with the combined lantern permitted by section (2) of this rule.

(4)(a) A sailing vessel of less than seven meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in section (1) or (2) of this rule, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision;

(b) A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.

(5) A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward where it can best be seen a conical shape, apex downward. A vessel of less than 12 meters in length is not required to exhibit this shape, but may do so.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0025

Fishing Vessels

(1) A vessel engaged in fishing, whether underway or at anchor, shall exhibit only the lights and shapes prescribed in this rule.

(2) A vessel when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging through the water of a dredge net or other apparatus used as a fishing appliance, shall exhibit:

(a) Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being green and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with their apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than 20 meters in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket;

(b) A masthead light abaft of and higher than the all-round green light; a vessel of less than 50 meters in length shall not be obliged to exhibit such a light but may do so; and

(c) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.

(3) A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:

(a) Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, or a shape consisting of two cones with apexes together in a vertical line one above the other; a vessel of less than 20 meters in length may instead of this shape exhibit a basket;

(b) When there is outlying gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel, an all-round white light or a cone apex upward in the direction of the gear; and

(c) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this section, sidelights and a sternlight.

(4) A trawler or purse seiner engaged in fishing in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing may exhibit such additional signals as may be promulgated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.

(5) A vessel when not engaged in fishing shall not exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this rule, but only those prescribed for a vessel of her length.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0030

Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver

(1) A vessel not under command shall exhibit:

(a) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen;

(b) Two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen; and

(c) When making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this subsection, sidelights and a sternlight.

(2) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, except a vessel engaged in mine-sweeping operations, shall exhibit:

(a) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;

(b) Three shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond;

(c) When making way through the water, masthead lights, sidelights and a sternlight, in addition to the lights prescribed in subsection (2)(a) of this rule; and

(d) When at anchor, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in subsections (2)(a) and (b) of this rule, the light, lights or shapes prescribed in OAR 250-012-0040.

(3) A vessel engaged in a towing operation which severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course shall, in addition to the lights or shapes prescribed in subsections (2)(a) and (b) of this rule, exhibit the lights or shape prescribed in OAR 250-012-0015.

(4) A vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations, when restricted in her ability to maneuver, shall exhibit the lights and shapes prescribed in subsections (2)(a), (b), and (c) of this rule and shall in addition, when an obstruction exists, exhibit:

(a) Two all-round red lights or two balls in a vertical line to indicate the side on which the obstruction exists;

(b) Two all-round green lights or two diamonds in a vertical line to indicate the side on which another vessel may pass; and

(c) When at anchor, the lights or shape prescribed by this subsection, instead of the lights or shapes prescribed in OAR 250-012-0040 for anchored vessels.

(5) Whenever the size of a vessel engaged in diving operations makes it impracticable to exhibit all lights and shapes prescribed in section (4) of this rule, the following shall instead be exhibited:

(a) Three all-round lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen. The highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white;

(b) A rigid replica of the international code flag "A" not less than one meter in height. Measures shall be taken to insure its all-round visibility.

(6) A vessel engaged in minesweeping operations shall, in addition to the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel in OAR 250-012-0010, exhibit three all-round green lights or three balls. One of these lights or shapes shall be exhibited near the foremast head and one at each end of the fore yard. These lights or shapes indicate that it is dangerous for another vessel to approach closer than 1,000 meters a stern or 500 meters on either side of the minesweeper.

(7) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length, except when engaged in diving operations, is not required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in this rule.

(8) The signals prescribed in this rule are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0035

Pilot Vessels

(1) A vessel engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit:

(a) At or near the masthead, two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being white and the lower red;

(b) When underway, in addition, sidelights and a sternlight; and

(c) When at anchor, in addition to the lights prescribed in subsection (1)(a) of this rule, the anchor light, lights, or shape prescribed in OAR 250-012-0040 for anchored vessels.

(2) A pilot vessel when not engaged on pilotage duty shall exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed for a vessel of her length.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83



250-012-0040

Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground

(1) A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

(a) In the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball; and

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

(2) A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in section (1) of this rule.

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

(4) A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in section (1) or (2) of this rule and in addition, if practicable, where they can best be seen:

(a) Two all-round red lights in a vertical line; and

(b) Three balls in a vertical line.

(5) A vessel of less than seven 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 sections (1) and (2) of this rule.

(6) A vessel of less than 12 meters in length when aground shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in subsections (4)(a) and (b) of this rule.

(7) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length, when at anchor in a special anchorage area designated by the United States Secretary of Transportation, shall not be required to exhibit the anchor lights and shapes required by this rule.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.250
Hist.: MB 15-1983, f. 11-29-83, ef. 12-1-83

250-012-0045

Law Enforcement Vessels

(1) Law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in direct law enforcement or public safety activities. This light must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights.

(2) The blue light described in this section may be displayed only by law enforcement vessels of the United States, Oregon and its political subdivi-sions.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830.110 & ORS 830.250
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.035
Hist.: MB 16-1992, f. & cert. ef. 11-24-92

250-012-0050

Public Safety Activities

(1) Vessels engaged in government sanctioned public safety activities, and commercial vessels performing similar functions, may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light signal. This identification light signal must be located so that it does not interfere with the visibility of the vessel's navigation lights. The identification light signal may be used only as an identification signal and conveys no special privilege. Vessels using the identification light signal during public safety activities must abide by the Inland Navigation Rules and OAR Chapter 250, Division 11, and must not presume that the light or the exigency gives them precedence or right of way.

(2) Public safety activities include but are not limited to patrolling marine parades, regattas, or special water celebrations; traffic control; salvage; firefighting; medical assistance; assisting disabled vessels; and search and rescue.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 830.110 & ORS 830.250
Stats. Implemented: ORS 830.035
Hist.: MB 16-1992, f. & cert. ef. 11-24-92