---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 161.012-9"
title: "46"
number: "161.012-9"
heading: "Performance."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/161.012-9"
---

# §161.012-9. Performance.

- (a) If a light is a flashing light, its flash rate when first activated, or within five minutes thereafter, must be between 50 and 70 flashes per minute.
- (b) **Each light must—**
  - (1) Begin to shine within 2 minutes after activation; and
  - (2) Within 5 minutes after activation be capable of being seen from a distance of at least one nautical mile on a dark clear night.
- (c) Each light must be designed to operate underwater continuously for at least 8 hours at a water temperature of 15° ±5 °C (59° ±9 °F). However, if the light needs air to operate, underwater operation is required only for 50 or more seconds during each minute of the eight hour period.
- (d) Each light must be designed to operate both in sea water and in fresh water.
- (e) A light that concentrates its light beam by means of a lens or curved reflector must not be a flashing light.
- (f) Each light must be designed to operate in accordance with this section after storage for 24 hours at a temperature of 65° ±2 °C (149° ±44 °F), and after storage for 24 hours at −30° ±2 °C (−22° ±4 °F).

## Notes

### Source

Source: CGD 76-028, 44 FR 38785, July 2, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.