I've observed that another site is promoting the sale/sales of what I even consider a very cool LED Under Deck lighting fixture(s) for pontoon boats. I first don't want to see anybody spending their hard earned dollars on buying something they can't also utilize and enjoy. I secondly don't want to see anyone harassed on the water for using said lighting and maybe also get caught up in something like BWI because of said lighting (giving them a reason to check you out). Thirdly in looking over the sites they don’t have the courtesy to even warn perspective buyers that the use of the LED under deck lighting out on the water is prohibited by law anywhere. They just include some very cool inspirational pictures of pontoon boats with their LED lights being utilized illegally out on the water with their under rail lighting as more temptation for you to buy them. So if you’re actually thinking of purchasing said LED lighting at least consider the potential of bring the law down on yourself for your efforts.

My E-Mail correspondences for references are posted below. (I killed links to a competitor’s websites)

I can't find and pull up the real regulations anywhere on the legality of the instillation of boat lighting such as: (Link Removed) and scroll down a bit this link example: (Link Removed) here. I contacted the DNR in the state I boat in most of the time seeking a real source link to where they are illegal because I know for a fact that people who have taken upon themselves have received warning/citations/tickets for their efforts. It's been at least a week since I've contacted them and as of yet they haven't responded to my request. I also did a search on your site without results on the subject also. As you can see the product they are attempting to sell to people aren’t what I'd call cheep myself, and I hate to see folks throwing their money down a rat-hole for something they'll possibly get no use out of.

Your thoughts, opinions, or Help on this subject please.....

Thanks,

Response Below:

Peter Eikenberry to me

This under deck lighting was first proposed back in the 1990's. It is not illegal to install them. But the only time you can turn them on is when you are tied to the dock. The law is very specific. You can't have any lights that interfere or can be mistaken for navigation lights. That is in Rule 1 of both the international and inland rules. Any deviations must be approved by the USCG and they have to issue a letter to the vessel authorizing the deviation from the rule. These are usually only granted when it is impossible for the vessel due to its construction to comply with the positioning of lights. No deviations are granted for additional lights or variances in color or range.

Lights must be certified and tested by an independent laboratory such as Underwriters. They must be labeled as meeting the regulations. I doubt these can. See below. I would want to see some proof they comply before installing them.

You can't just put any old lights on a boat and comply with the laws. If you have further questions Call the USCG at 202-372-1076 or e-mail Phill Cappel philip.j.cappel(remove)@uscg.mil

Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 183—BOATS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

Subpart M—Navigation Lights

Source: USCG–1999–6580, 66 FR 55091, Nov. 1, 2001, unless otherwise noted.

§ 183.801 Applicability.

This subpart applies to recreational vessel manufacturers, distributors, and dealers installing such equipment in new recreational vessels constructed after November 1, 2002.

§ 183.803 Definitions.

As used in this subpart:

Dealer means any person who is engaged in the sale and distribution of recreational vessels to purchasers who the seller in good faith believes to be purchasing any such recreational vessel for purposes other than resale.

Distributor means any person engaged in the sale and distribution of recreational vessels for the purpose of resale.

Manufacturer means any person engaged in:

(1) The manufacture, construction, or assembly of recreational vessels, or (2) The importation of recreational vessels into the United States for subsequent sale. Navigation lights are those lights prescribed by the Navigation Rules (Commandant Instruction 16672.2 series) to indicate a vessel's presence, type, operation, and relative heading.

§ 183.810 Navigation light certification requirements.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each navigation light must—

(1) Meet the technical standards of the applicable Navigation Rules;

(2) Be certified by a laboratory listed by the Coast Guard to the standards of ABYC A–16 (incorporated by reference, see §183.5) or equivalent, although portable battery-powered lights need only meet the requirements of the standard applicable to them; and

(3) Bear a permanent and indelible label that is visible without removing or disassembling the light and that states the following:

(i) “USCG Approval 33 CFR 183.810.”

(ii) “MEETS___.” (Insert the identification name or number of the standard under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, to which the laboratory type-tested.)

(iii) “TESTED BY___.” (Insert the name or registered certification-mark of the laboratory listed by the Coast Guard that tested the fixture to the standard under paragraph (a)(2) of this section.)

(iv) Name of manufacturer.

(v) Number of model.

(vi) Visibility of the light in nautical miles.

(vii) Date on which the light was type-tested.

(viii) Identification and specifications of the bulb used in the compliance test.

(b) If a light is too small to attach the required label—

(1) Place the information from the label in or on the package that contains the light; and (2) Mark each light “USCG” followed by the certified range of visibility in nautical miles (nm), for example, “USCG 2nm”. Once installed, this mark must be visible without removing the light.

Peter D. Eikenberry Sr.

Ike is a well known respected Ex. Coast Guard authority, with over 25 year’s experience. His website posted below is well worth reviewing with a wealth of good boating information. http://newboatbuilders.com/

My Reply, Response

Thanks for your reply and quick response Ike,

The administrator of the forum attached to the second link is doing everything he can to push as sell this product to unsuspecting owners of pontoon boats despite the fact that they are in fact illegal as you just confirmed. If the owners of suppliers were stupid enough to make a large purchase of illegal lighting I'd much rather see them eat their loss than maybe ignorant boaters who may think they're cool and purchase them only to see they've been burned..

I'll be posting a warning thread in Pontoon Forums (link posted below) about the products using your respected reply as confirmation and source. You're a member there so it would be possible to add your input if you'd like..

Thanks again,

Gregg

My Correspondence with Ohio DNR on Topic is Below

To: Watercraft

Subject: Could You Provide Me a Link, Please

A recognized online retailer has chosen to handle "under rub-rail lighting" specifically towards pontoon boat owners. I boat on the Muskingum River myself and am aware that there were some people there warned about the installation of such lights on their boats so I'm aware that they're not legal. But times being as they are people want to see rule or law for themselves. Could you provide a link or source where it is written please? I really do hate seeing retailers selling folks stuff they'll never be able to utilize because what they considered "cool" will not only cost them cash at the retailer and at the courthouse.

Thanks,

Gregg

Response is as follows:

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the good question.

I would say that it is Not illegal to install such lights on a pontoon boat. What is illegal is to have them illuminated while on the water. So it wouldn’t be illegal so have them installed and illuminated while at the dock or tied to shore.

Below is the link to the rule that states that no other lights can be exhibited other than proper navigation as described in the rules.

http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/1501:47-2-20

If you have any other questions or need more clarification please feel free to contact me at any time.

Officer Steve Massello

Law Enforcement Search & Rescue Coordinator

ODNR - Division of Watercraft

614-265-6503

As you can see I had to go to a bit of trouble myself to acquire respected references for this posting, so you won’t haft to yourself. Sometimes even with all the resources of the web it’s still sometimes difficult to source the maybe needed information necessary on some subject matter. And I hope you found or find this posting helpful in making or not making an informed purchase of this particular LED Lighting Product.

I also posted this topic in almost duplication here at Pontoon Boat and Deck Boat Forum also and can review some of the comments generated there as well.