T&T: anchor light

[KevinR]

> -----Original Message-----
> Isn't USCG Approval a factor in the LED garden/anchor light discussion?

Roger,

As of the new rules back in 2003, 33 CFR 183.810 restricted "recreational vessel manufacturers,
distributors, and dealers" who installed navigation lights on recreational vessels to only using
USCG approved navigation lights. The wording of that regulation made it apply only to
manufacturers, distributors and dealers, and not to owners/operators (see:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2005/julqtr/pdf/33cfr183.715.pdf  ).

So, my reading of the regulation is that as an owner, you could indeed make up your own anchor
light, provided it met the 2 mile visibility specification - 3 mile visibility if you're a fat
cat with a boat over 50 meters!  :-)

The USCG issued that rule in 2003 after they got tired of boat manufacturers ignoring the rules
for light visibility range and arc of visibility, and instead selling lights the looked sexy at
the expense of functionality. Since the industry wouldn't clean up their act and install
navigation lights that met the rules, the USCG finally had to force them by issuing formal
regulations that called for Coast Guard testing and acceptance before a manufacturer could use a
light fixture. The CG made navigation light approval mandatory for recreation boats in
33CFR183.810, and for uninspected commercial boats in 46cfr25.10.3
(http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/25-10-3-navigation-light-certification-19846378 )

Kevin 
www.BoatMoves.com