FAQs
These vessels may only display a single white light or a torch light. A single white light can also mean a vessel is at anchor, or travelling away from you. If you see a white light, be aware that something is ahead of you and prepare to take appropriate action.
What color lights for boats at night? ›
The red light indicates a vessel's port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel's starboard (right) side. Sternlight: This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel. Masthead Light: This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels.
Which side of a boat has a red light at night? ›
The red light indicates a boat's port (left) side; the green indicates a boat's starboard (right) side. A boat less than 20 metres (65.6 feet) in length may combine the sidelights in one lantern that should be carried toward the stern at the centreline of the boat.
What vessel would display a yellow light over a white light at night? ›
VESSELS ENGAGED IN TOWING AND PUSHING
In addition, they will display a second, white, forward facing masthead light and a yellow stern light. The yellow stern light is placed above the usual white stern light. The length of the tow is measured from the bow of the towing vessel to the stern of the tow.
What does a green light on a boat at night tell you? ›
Starboard Side Lights: These lights are green in colour. If you see one at night it means you're approaching the starboard (right) side of another boat. Just like when you're operating a car, green means go. If you see a green light at night, you have the right of way.
What should you do if you see red and white lights on another boat at night? ›
If a red and a white light are visible, then another craft is approaching you from the starboard (right) side. In this situation you are the give-way craft and must yield right-of-way. You should take early and substantial action to steer well clear of the other craft.
What do two short blasts of a horn mean? ›
One short blast tells other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my port (left side)." Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
What is the yellow light on a boat at night? ›
Yellow light: a yellow light is used when a vessel is towing and has the same features as a stern light. Special flashing light: a yellow light placed at the front end of a towing vessel or a vessel being towed.
Why do boats use red lights at night? ›
Red light helps preserve their night vision, enabling them to spot potential threats and respond more quickly. Minimizing Light Reflection: Red light is less reflective than other colors, meaning it's less likely to create glare or be reflected off surfaces, making it harder for enemy forces to detect the ship.
What side do you pass a green buoy on? ›
Federal Lateral System
The expression “red right returning” has long been used by seafarers as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open sea into port (upstream). Likewise, green buoys are kept to the port (left) side (see chart below).
When you are in a power-driven vessel and you see a red, a green, and a white light, you are approaching another power-driven vessel head-on and both vessels must give way.
When while boating at night you see only a green light you know you are encountering? ›
When you see only a green light, you may be approaching a sailing vessel and you must give way. A sailing vessel is always the stand-on vessel except when it is overtaking.
When boating at night, what does a single white light mean? ›
So a single white light tells you that there is only a small, slow vessel. Not much, it could be a boat at anchor, or a boat moving away from you. In either case the rules provide that you avoid it. A red and green light indicate the starboard and port sides of a boat.
How do you know that a vessel is not under command at night? ›
A vessel not under command shall exhibit: two all-round red lights in a vertical line where they can best be seen; two balls or similar shapes in a vertical line where they can best be seen; when making way through the water, in addition to the lights prescribed in this paragraph, sidelights and a sternlight.
What must you do if you see other vessels red and white lights? ›
When you are in a power-driven pleasure craft and you see a red and a white light, you must give way to the other vessel! Slow down and allow the vessel to pass, or you may turn to the right and pass behind the other vessel.
When boating at night, what does a single white light on a boat tell you Quizlet? ›
When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored. It is the stand-on vessel, whether underway or anchored. You may go around it on either side.
What is the white light on the front of a boat? ›
A masthead light is a white light at the front of the boat. The masthead light needs to be visible across 225 degrees and from two miles away.
What does a visible white light indicate on a boat? ›
Powerboat A: When only a white light is visible, you may be overtaking another vessel. Give way to either side.
What light must be shown on a powerboat at night? ›
An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light and sternlight) must be visible from all directions in a 360-degree circle.
