What action is necessary when anchoring a boat at night?

When anchoring a boat at night, it is essential to turn on an all-around white light. This type of light is specifically designed to indicate your boat's presence to other vessels in the area. According to navigation rules, an all-around white light must be displayed when a vessel is anchored after dark to help prevent collisions. It serves as a visual cue for other boaters, allowing them to see that there is a stationary vessel in the vicinity. By ensuring the all-around white light is activated, you promote safety on the water and adhere to regulatory requirements for nighttime operation of vessels.

Turning on all navigational lights is important when under way but can be confusing when anchored, as it could imply that the boat is moving. Anchoring in a well-lit area might seem safer; however, it does not replace the requirement for displaying proper lights. Lastly, while notifying nearby vessels of your position could be a good practice for safety, it does not meet the legal requirements for visibility at night that the all-around white light does.