I probably should have used the word
may not
will ahead of "attract LEO attention", above.
I like your installs,
@Neutron , as I mentioned above.
But the USCG issued a safety bulletin, Safety Alert 10-15 on November 4, 2015 on this specific subject, so some caution is advised when using blue lights on the water (following is copied from this alert, but is not the complete alert):
"Boaters should be concerned about installing 'decorative' lighting on their boats in various places, including underwater, on the rubrail, or just above the waterline. Care must be taken that these lights:
- cannot be mistaken for navigation lights,
- do not impair the visibility or distinctive character of approved and properly placed navigation lights, and
- do not interfere with the operator’s ability to maintain a proper lookout. Such circumstances may represent a violation of Rule 20.
Rule 20 specifies that only those lights prescribed, or those that don’t interfere with those prescribed, may be used. Haphazard installation of additional lighting must be avoided. A violation can occur if the installation of additional lights can be construed as a light required by the Rules for another vessel. For instance, blue underwater LED lights can appear to be flashing if there is any wave action, giving the appearance of a flashing blue light only authorized to be used by law enforcement vessels per 33 CFR 88.05. "
Ref link:
http://www.usmsa.org/uscg-marine-safety-alert-10-15-navigation-lights-the-rules-for-your-safety/
Worth noting, different bodies of water have different prevailing regulations, so each captain should know local rules and adjust accordingly.
Also, I had RGB lights on my swim platform and was mindful of this when I was underway (not saying I did not use them underway, but that I kept this in mind depending on the situation).