33 C.F.R. Subpart 67.05—General Requirements for Lights
Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters
(a) Structures having a maximum horizontal dimension of 30 feet or less on any one side, or in diameter, shall be required to have one obstruction light visible for 360°. (b) Structures having a maximum horizontal dimension of over 30 feet, but not in excess of 50 feet, on any one side, or in diameter, shall be required to have two obstruction lights installed on diagonally opposite corners, 180° apart, or as prescribed by the District Commander, each light to have a 360° lens. (c) Structures having a horizontal dimension of over 50 feet on any one side, or in diameter, shall be required to have an obstruction light on each corner, or 90° apart in the case of circular structures, or as prescribed by the District Commander, each light to have a 360° lens. (d) Where the overall dimensions of a structure require the installation of two or more obstruction lights, the lights shall all be mounted on the same horizontal plane within the limitations of height specified in §67.20–5, §67.25–5, or §67.30–5, as applicable. (e) Lesser structures and piles, pile clusters or flare templates, etc., will not normally be required to be marked by obstruction lights, when they are located within 100 yards of a Class “A”, “B” or “C” structure marked by established obstruction lights, but they shall be marked with red or white retro-reflective material, installed as prescribed by the District Commander. (f) All obstruction lights shall be installed in a manner which will permit at least one of them to be carried in sight of the mariner, regardless of the angle of approach, until the mariner is within 50 feet of the structure, visibility permitting. [CGFR 58–17, 23 FR 3377, May 20, 1958, as amended by USCG–2001–10714, 69 FR 24983, May 5, 2004] When more than one obstruction light is required by this part to mark a structure, all such lights shall be operated to flash in unison. All obstruction lights required by this part shall be powered from a reliable power source, including auxiliary power sources as necessary. They shall display a quick-flash characteristic of approximately 60 flashes per minute, unless prescribed otherwise in the permit issued by the District Commander. Their color shall be white when marking Class “A” and “B” structures, and either white or red, as prescribed by the District Commander, when marking Class “C” structures. In determining whether white or red lights shall be authorized, the District Commander shall take into consideration matters concerning, but not necessarily limited to, the dimensions of the structure and the depth of water in which it is located; the proximity of the structure to vessel routes; the nature and amount of vessel traffic; and the effect of background lighting. Obstruction lights shall be displayed at all times between the hours of sunset and sunrise, local time, commencing at the time the construction of a structure is begun. During construction and until such time as a platform capable of supporting the obstruction lights is completed, the fixed lights on an attending vessel shall be used. In addition, when lights are in use for general illumination to facilitate the construction or operation of a structure, and can be seen from any angle of approach at a distance equal to that prescribed for the obstruction lights for the class of structure, the actual operation of obstruction lights also will not be required. [CGFR 58–34, 23 FR 7701, Oct. 4, 1958] The obstruction lighting requirements prescribed in this part are the minimum requirements only and shall not preclude the maintainer from making application for authorization to establish more lights, or lights of greater intensity than required to be visible at the distances prescribed: Provided, That the prescribed characteristics of color and flash duration are adhered to. Whenever a structure is erected in a position on or adjacent to the edges of navigable channels and fairways, or lines of demarcation, the District Commander is authorized to require the structure to be marked by the lights which in his judgment are necessary for the safety of marine commerce, and without regard to the fact that the structure may be located in an area in which either Class “B” or Class “C” requirements are otherwise applicable. The requirements for the lights in any of these cases, shall not exceed those established for structures in the Class “A” areas.
Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
PART 67—AIDS TO NAVIGATION ON ARTIFICIAL ISLANDS AND FIXED STRUCTURES
Subpart 67.05—General Requirements for Lights
§ 67.05-1 Arrangement of obstruction lights.
§ 67.05-5 Multiple obstruction lights.
§ 67.05-10 Characteristics of obstruction lights.
§ 67.05-15 Operating periods of obstruction lights.
§ 67.05-20 Minimum lighting requirements.
§ 67.05-25 Special lighting requirements.
