When are navigation lights required and what do they indicate?

• A. From noon to sunset.
• B. From sunset to sunrise or when visibility is reduced; display the proper lights for powered, sailing, and towing configurations.
• C. Only during storms.
• D. Lights are optional.

Answer: (D)

Navigation lights exist so you’re visible at night and in reduced visibility, and they quickly tell other boaters what kind of vessel you are and what you’re doing. You must display them from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility is reduced. The lights shown communicate your status: a power-driven vessel underway uses a white masthead light plus red and green sidelights and a white stern light; a sailing vessel underway shows the side lights and a white stern light (often without the masthead light if not under power); a vessel that is towing will add a yellow towing light to indicate it’s pulling another craft. These signals help others judge your direction and distance, reducing the chance of collisions.