If you see a white light directly ahead of you while boating at night, you should alter your course to avoid a collision. Maintain a safe speed and be prepared to take evasive action if needed. White lights typically indicate a vessel's presence or movement; it's crucial to stay alert and navigate defensively in such situations.
Broad daylight has shorter wavelengths of light, which appear as white light, while at night, longer wavelengths of light, such as red and orange, are more prevalent.
Stars appear white in the night sky because they emit light across a broad spectrum of colors, with a balance of different wavelengths that our eyes perceive as white.
A stern light is a white navigation light on the rear (stern) of a watercraft. It helps other vessels determine the direction the boat is headed in low visibility conditions or at night. The white light indicates the boat's position and helps prevent collisions on the water.
Rod cells in the retina allow us to see in black and white and in dim light. They are specialized photoreceptor cells that are highly sensitive to light and are responsible for our night vision.
The moon shines white because it reflects sunlight. The sun's light hits the moon's surface and bounces off, making it appear bright in the night sky.
You are boating at night you see a single white light directly ahead, you should give way by going around the other vessel.
Give way
When boating at night, a single white light on a vessel tells you that it is anchored.
When boating at night, a single white light tells you that it is either a light house or an anchored boat.
When boating at night a red and white light on a vessel tells you that you must give way to the other vessel.
Small boat light.
Slow down and turn to avoid the small boat ahead of you.
If you see a single white light directly ahead at night then you are the give way vessel.
If you are boating at night, and you see a single white light on another boat this light tells you that you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored. It is mandatory for all engine powered boats and shines forward. If there is no light it indicates a sailboat under sail.
If you are boating at night, and you see a single white light on another boat this light tells you that you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored. It is mandatory for all engine powered boats and shines forward. If there is no light it indicates a sailboat under sail.
You are looking at the Starboard (right) side of the boat. If you can't see the white stern light then that boat is pointed toward you.
You are the stand-on vessel but should take precautions in case the other operator doesn't see you.