There are numerous navigational rules and regulations relating to the lighting and marking of moored vessels. These rules and regulations explain when lighting and marking is required, and the type of lighting and marking required such as the brightness and placement of the lights. For instance, some moored barges are required to be lit with two unobstructed all-around white lights of an intensity to be visible for at least one nautical mile.

Whatever the case, it is important that a barge owner understand what its obligations are to properly mark a moored barge. In fact, there are legions of cases involving pleasure boats hitting barges and sometimes these cases refer to the Inland Navigation Rule's General Prudential Rule in explaining that a barge owner should take all precautions including the lighting of a barge even in the absence of a specific regulation.

A boating accident attorney can help you better understand the admiralty law pertaining to collisions between a boat and a barge. Always speak to a maritime lawyer to understand your rights and obligations in a particular circumstance.

Underway and making way.

By John Fulweiler

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