Be on the lookout for the lights of other vessels when
boating at night. Several types of lights serve as navigational
aids at night. There are four common navigation lights.
| Meanings of Different
Color Lights |
Illustrations |
A white and a green light:
When you see a white and a green
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. |
 |
Only a white light:
When you see only a white light, you
are overtaking another vessel. It is the
stand-on vessel whether it is underway
or anchored. You may go around it on
either side. |
 |
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 pass to the right behind the vessel. |
 |
| When you see only a
green light or only a red
light, you are approaching a
sailboat under sail and you
must give way. The sailboat
under sail is always the
stand-on vessel! |
 |
 |
