After dark, signaling and lighting requirements include?

• A. Only use handheld lanterns as needed.
• B. Navigation lights are optional after dark.
• C. Use vessel navigation lights and required signaling devices; ensure visibility and compliance with policy.
• D. Visual distress signals are not required after dark.

Answer: (C)

After dark, you must be clearly visible to other vessels, which means using the correct navigation lights and having the required signaling devices ready and functional. Navigation lights let other mariners see you, determine your type of vessel, position, and heading, and help prevent collisions in low visibility. The option that specifies using vessel navigation lights plus the required signaling devices and keeping them visible and in policy compliance reflects this need for both visibility and proper communication equipment. Handheld lanterns alone don’t provide adequate, consistent visibility for nighttime operation; lighting isn’t optional after dark; and visual distress signals are required when you’re on the water, not something you can skip after sunset.