Which light does the stand-on observe from the give-way vessel at night?

Which light does the stand-on observe from the give-way vessel at night?

• A. Masthead White Light
• B. Stern White Light
• C. Red Port Light
• D. Green Starboard Light

Answer: (A)

At night, vessels identify each other by a standard set of navigation lights, arranged to show the direction the vessel is moving. A power-driven vessel that is underway carries a white masthead light high on the forepart, plus red and green sidelights and a white stern light. The stand-on vessel observes the give-way vessel’s masthead white light because this forward-facing light is the primary signal that the other vessel is ahead or approaching and underway. It’s the most informative signal for judging crossing angles and potential risk. The stern light would be visible only toward the rear, and the red or green sidelights indicate the sides of the other vessel but don’t by themselves convey the same forward position and status as the masthead light.

At night, vessels identify each other by a standard set of navigation lights, arranged to show the direction the vessel is moving. A power-driven vessel that is underway carries a white masthead light high on the forepart, plus red and green sidelights and a white stern light. The stand-on vessel observes the give-way vessel’s masthead white light because this forward-facing light is the primary signal that the other vessel is ahead or approaching and underway. It’s the most informative signal for judging crossing angles and potential risk. The stern light would be visible only toward the rear, and the red or green sidelights indicate the sides of the other vessel but don’t by themselves convey the same forward position and status as the masthead light.