A white light seen on a vessel in darkness indicates that the vessel is approaching you directly or near head-on. It suggests that both vessels should alter their course to avoid a collision, typically passing to the starboard (right) of the other vessel.
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.
A visible white light indicates that the other vessel is a power-driven vessel.
No, light can exist in both darkness and in the presence of other light sources. Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is produced by sources such as the sun or artificial light bulbs, and can be present in various environments.
Neither can "come first" - for darkness to exist there must be an absence of light. But for light to exist there must be something to burn, and before there was anything burning there would have been darkness. But.... as there would have been nothing to observe the darkness - as nothing can exist without light - then one can say that light and darkness are mutually necessary. You can't have one without the other.
If you encounter a vessel displaying only a visible white light, it is most likely a power-driven vessel that is underway. In this situation, rules of the road require that you keep to the starboard side and pass at a safe distance. Be cautious and keep a lookout for any other lights displayed by the vessel to determine their course and intentions.
You are approaching the stern of another vessel
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
You are approaching the starboard side of another vessel
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.
You are approaching the stern of another vessel
In darkness or reduced visibility, the white light indicates a vessel's stern, while red and green lights indicate the port (left) and starboard (right) sides, respectively. A vessel displaying a red light is facing another vessel, while a green light indicates it is on the starboard side. This color coding helps mariners determine the direction and type of vessel they are encountering, ensuring safe navigation.
A visible white light indicates that the other vessel is a power-driven vessel.
You are approaching the port side of another vessel
No, light can exist in both darkness and in the presence of other light sources. Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is produced by sources such as the sun or artificial light bulbs, and can be present in various environments.