Boating Basics: On the Water

Encountering Vessels at Night

You should always be on the lookout for the lights of other boats when boating at night. Several types of lights serve as navigational aids at night. See descriptions of the different types of lights.

Encountering Vessels at Night - What the Lights Mean	Illustrations of Lights
A green and a white light: When you see a green and a white light, you are the stand-on vessel. However, remain alert in case the other vessel operator does not see you or does not know the navigation rules.	Movie: See the action!
Only a white light: When you see only a white light, you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored. It is the stand-on vessel whether it is underway or anchored. You may go around it on either side.	Movie: See the action!
A red and a white light: When 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.	Movie: See the action!
A red, a green and and a white light: When 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.	Movie: See the action!
Encountering Sailing Vessels at Night - What the Lights Mean	Illustrations of Lights
A red and a green but no white light:When you see a red and a green light but no white light, you are approaching a sailing vessel head-on and you must give way.	Movie: See the action!
When you see only a red or only a green light, you may be approaching a sailboat under sail and you must give way. A sailboat under sail is always the stand-on vessel!	See only a red light... Movie: See the action!
	See only a green light... Movie: See the action!