1625-0056 Stat/Authority

33 CFR 183.810 (up to date as of 12/09/2025)
Navigation light certification requirements.

33 CFR 183.810 (Dec. 9, 2025)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 33 —Navigation and Navigable Waters
Chapter I —Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Subchapter S —Boating Safety
Part 183 —Boats and Associated Equipment
Subpart M —Navigation Lights
Source: USCG-1999-6580, 66 FR 55091, Nov. 1, 2001, unless otherwise noted.
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 4302; Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2439; and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, para.
II, (92)(b). Subpart E is also authorized by Pub. L. 114-120, 130 Stat. 27
Source: CGD 72-61R, 37 FR 15782, Aug. 4, 1972, unless otherwise noted.

§ 183.810 Navigation light certification requirements.
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each navigation light must—
(1) Meet the technical standards of the applicable Navigation Rules;
(2) Be certified by a laboratory listed by the Coast Guard to the standards of ABYC A-16 (incorporated by
reference, see § 183.5) or equivalent, although portable battery-powered lights need only meet the
requirements of the standard applicable to them; and
(3) Bear a permanent and indelible label that is visible without removing or disassembling the light and
that states the following:
(i)

“USCG Approval 33 CFR 183.810.”

(ii) “MEETS______.” (Insert the identification name or number of the standard under paragraph
(a)(2) of this section, to which the laboratory type-tested.)
(iii) “TESTED BY______.” (Insert the name or registered certification-mark of the laboratory listed by
the Coast Guard that tested the fixture to the standard under paragraph (a)(2) of this section.)
(iv) Name of manufacturer.
(v) Number of model.
(vi) Visibility of the light in nautical miles.
(vii) Date on which the light was type-tested.
(viii) Identification and specifications of the bulb used in the compliance test.
(b) If a light is too small to attach the required label—
(1) Place the information from the label in or on the package that contains the light; and
(2) Mark each light “USCG” followed by the certified range of visibility in nautical miles (nm), for
example, “USCG 2nm”. Once installed, this mark must be visible without removing the light.

33 CFR 183.810(b)(2) (enhanced display)

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