At night, which light does the stand-on boat observe from the give-way boat?

At night, which light does the stand-on boat observe from the give-way boat?

• A. The give-way boat's red sidelight.
• B. The give-way boat's masthead light.
• C. The give-way boat's green starboard light.
• D. The give-way boat's white stern light.

Answer: (C)

In night navigation, you figure out who should yield by looking at each vessel’s lights. The give-way vessel shows its green sidelight (the starboard light). So from the stand-on vessel, you observe a green light on the other boat, which tells you the other vessel is on its starboard side and is the one to yield. The red sidelight would indicate the other vessel’s port side, the white stern light is a general light but doesn’t tell you which side is facing you, and the masthead light is used for certain vessel types and speeds. The green starboard light is the clue you use to assess the situation and know you should maintain course unless collision risk requires action.

In night navigation, you figure out who should yield by looking at each vessel’s lights. The give-way vessel shows its green sidelight (the starboard light). So from the stand-on vessel, you observe a green light on the other boat, which tells you the other vessel is on its starboard side and is the one to yield. The red sidelight would indicate the other vessel’s port side, the white stern light is a general light but doesn’t tell you which side is facing you, and the masthead light is used for certain vessel types and speeds. The green starboard light is the clue you use to assess the situation and know you should maintain course unless collision risk requires action.