In darkness or reduced visibility, visible red and green lights on a vessel indicate its orientation and direction of travel. A steady red light on the port (left) side and a steady green light on the starboard (right) side signify that the vessel is underway and facing the observer. If you see both red and green lights, it means you are approaching the bow of the vessel. If only one light is visible, it indicates the vessel's side, helping you assess its direction and take appropriate navigational actions.
You are approaching the stern of another vessel
You are approaching the starboard side of another vessel
You are approaching the stern of another vessel and may be overtaking it
You are approaching a powerboat head-on
You are approaching a sailing vessel - head-on
You are approaching a powerboat head-on
You are approaching a powerboat head-on
The other vessel is coming directly toward the observer, so both the port and starboard running lights are visible.
The other vessel is coming directly toward the observer, so both the port and starboard running lights are visible.
A visible white light on another vessel indicates that it is approaching you head-on. This means you should also exhibit a white light to signify that your vessel is also approaching head-on.
Give-way to starboard side
3 seconds of rapid bell ringing