
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 33USC2021]

 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
                  CHAPTER 34--INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES
 
                           SUBCHAPTER I--RULES
 
                        Part C--Lights and Shapes
 
Sec. 2021. Definitions (Rule 21)

    (a) ``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.
    (b) ``Sidelights'' mean 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 side lights 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.
    (c) ``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.
    (d) ``Towing light'' means a yellow light having the same 
characteristics as the ``sternlight'' defined in paragraph (c) of this 
Rule.
    (e) ``All-round light'' means a light showing an unbroken light over 
an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees.
    (f) ``Flashing light'' means a light flashing at regular intervals 
at a frequency of 120 flashes or more per minute.
    (g) ``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 an 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.

(Pub. L. 96-591, Sec. 2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3423.)

                          Codification

    Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96-591 which 
enacted the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in sections 2020, 2031 of this title.
