When must a canoe have a working light source when away from dock?

A canoe must have a working light source when away from the dock at night to ensure visibility and safety on the water. The requirement for navigation lights is essential during hours of darkness to alert other boaters to the presence of the canoe, helping to prevent collisions and ensuring safe passage.

During the day, adequate visibility usually allows for safe operation without lights, as most other vessels can see the canoe more easily. That said, while the canoe doesn’t necessarily need lights during daytime hours, it must still have them when it is nighttime or during periods of low visibility, such as fog or heavy rain. This emphasis on carrying a working light source at night aligns with general boating safety practices and regulations that prioritize the safety of all waterway users.