Marine Patrol to Enforce Shoreline and Navigation Light Violations

[Marine Patrol]

Please see below a copy of today's press release from the Marine Patrol. We are asking property owners and boaters alike to voluntarily comply with the state law that makes it illegal to display lights that can be mistaken for the prescribed navigation lights of a boat.

In an effort to eliminate confusing/illegal displays of lights that can often affect the stand-on vs. give-way vessel as it pertains to crossing and overtaking situations, we are asking folks to look at how they are illuminating their shoreline property. In addition, accent lighting on vessels that can be mistaken for the prescribed navigation lights also create hazards using the same scenario.

As a result we are making an effort to educate the public of the issue and provide them with notice that Marine Patrol will be enforcing these laws. For reference they are:

RSA 270-D:7:a
Administrative Rule Saf-C 403.19

If you have any questions, or have identified an area of concern, please call MP Headquarters at 603-293-2037. Thank you,

Safe Boating!!

Tim Dunleavy
Lieutenant
NH Marine Patrol


STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Department of Safety

Division of Safety Services, Bureau of Marine Patrol



NEWS RELEASE



For Immediate Release, Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Contact: Lt. Timothy Dunleavy, 603-293-2037



N.H. MARINE PATROL STEPS UP ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ILLEGAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING



Gilford, N.H. - The N.H. Marine Patrol is increasing its enforcement actions against illegal lighting along the shores of the state’s lakes. RSA 270-D:7-a makes it illegal to display at any point from the shore visible from the water, any lights that resemble in color or configuration the required navigation lights of any vessel. It is also illegal for a boat to exhibit any other lights which might be mistaken for the prescribed navigation lights.



With the increased availability of energy efficient lights and the variety of colors available, more red, green, and white lights are being displayed along the waterfront. They are being displayed on various structures, including porches, flagpoles, boathouses and docks.



The problem is the confusion that is created by the colored lights that leads boaters to believe they are seeing another boat on the water. Unlike motor vehicles, lights on boats are used for navigation purposes, not for seeing where you are traveling. Red, green, and white lights help boaters determine who has right of way, whether a boat is underway or at anchor, and whether a boat is a sailboat, rowboat, or powerboat.



In addition to the complaints being filed by the public, Marine Patrol officers have also reported certain light displays that are dangerous to navigation. A spotlight shining at the end of a dock toward the water quickly takes away the night vision of an operator that is critical to night navigation. Spotlights can also “drown out” the less bright navigation lights of another boat, making it difficult for boaters to see each other.



The Marine Patrol would also remind boaters that any light being exhibited in addition to the prescribed navigation lights for their vessel is also illegal. After-market accent light fixtures have become very popular the last several years with the emergence of LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. Boat operators must extinguish these types of lights before getting underway on the water.



Marine Patrol will be addressing these issues through education and enforcement. Voluntary compliance is appreciated. Please contact Marine Patrol Headquarters in Gilford at 603-293-2037 with any questions.