I would pose these questions to you ! 1. I hope you are not in any traffic lanes
2. You would at least carry VDS's night time flares
3. you would carry a all round white light 3.1 meters high
4. wear a good PFD
5. maybe install a radar reflector
6. Are a god fearing person an pray alot, do not have love ones that care about you , if you do i hope you have a good insurance for them.
Laging handa

I did answer your question , and gave you some sound advice , the rules say you need to carry some kind of light . I went on to say you might carry some kind of flares , install a small but useful radar reflector and wear a good pfd. If you choose to go out at night that is your bussiness You are the one who stated there is alot of boat traffic out there, I do not boat in that area, I do not know how far of shore you are going if you are in a position to encounter large vessels that might not see you I for one would make my self seen I am willing to bet they tell you the same thing at the USCG station giving the info you supplied, they might tell you to file afloat plan . sorry you did not like my answer, remember Rules are to protect all boaters, and most rules concerning safety are pretty basic and are alway leave you with the option of making your self saver
Laging Handa

The rule#s that apply are taken from USDEPTof TRANSPORTATION USCG NAVIGATION internatonal and in land rules, RULE #25 for both plus your state rules the USCG deals with the mainly with operations beyond the demarcation line , and most of the time the state or states take care of policing the local water ways .Being as I do not boat in that area I do not know the pecking order as to local policy. But to meet USCG rules .VESSESLS UNDER 7 meters which is 23 feet RULE #25 states a vessel under power by oars may exhibit running lights , but if she does not she shall have at the ready a white light. You may obtain a copy of the rules on line or from the us gov printing office or at most of the better marine suppliers like BOAT US or WESTMARINE There is one more thing to keep in mind , if you or your freinds and please do not take this the wrong way go out and cause a hazzard to navigation to vessels in traffic lanes or channels the USCG< State and local police may terminate your trip The last is a bit of a reach but it could happen The whole idea of the rules is safety for all of us yourself included. I hope that I have answered your question , maybe there is a local boater who could give you some insight as to any rules your state might have. unless you launch from out side the demarcation line most states have their own rules and they can be stricter all though there is effort to bring state and fed rules closer for less confusion Hoped that helped
Laging Handa

Hi again , the question you asked has become quite a topic of conversation, being a certified boating instructor /usps/uscgaxu and capt, I am always thinking safety. The trouble with the rules and terms is recomended and required and the cross between state , federal and local rules, once out to sea it becomes a little bit clearer. The terms ALL and Power Sail and vessel under power by oars only add to the confussion. Even the feds ie uscg has a hand out called federal reg, safety tip for recreational boaters, and in that hand out the rules and recomendation basics are explained. HERE is an example 1. all rec vs must carry pfds, and 1 type four throwable if 16 feet or larger Except Kayaks
2. KAYAKS [ racings] define you donot need PFDS [DUMB] just my [ thought]
3. VDS requirement. not required on inlets less than 2 miles wide {dumb] just my [thought] then they go on to say all boaters should be able to signal for help. With all that stated if it becomes a matter of being safe I would error on the side of caution, If it is law and required unless it poseses a threat to your safety or others most law enforcement will write warnings and state the section you are not in compliance with. KAYAKS< CANOES< PWC are not forgotten in the courses that I teach all though I do not own one they too have a right to ply the waters safely those are my thoughts , I hope as fellow boater i have ansewred your question.
Laging Handa