What colors are the navigation lights on a vessel?

The navigation lights on a vessel are red, green, and white because these colors represent specific meanings that are essential for safe navigation at night and in low visibility conditions. The red light is placed on the port (left) side of the vessel, while the green light is on the starboard (right) side. This color scheme allows other vessels to determine the direction in which a boat is moving and avoid collisions.

The white light is typically displayed at the stern (the back) of the vessel or is used as a masthead light, providing visibility from all directions. Together, these lights help to communicate a vessel's position and heading to other boats, ensuring safety on the water. Understanding this color coding is crucial for boaters for night navigation as well as in situations where visibility is poor.