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.
In darkness, a vessel displaying red and white lights indicates that it is a fishing vessel engaged in fishing activities. The red light typically signifies that the vessel is at anchor or restricted in its ability to maneuver, while the white light may be used to show that it is fishing. It is important for other vessels to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from such vessels to avoid collisions.
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.
In darkness, vessels display specific colored lights to indicate their type and direction of travel. A white light typically indicates a vessel is anchored or underway, a green light is shown on the starboard (right) side, and a red light is shown on the port (left) side. When navigating, a vessel displaying a green light is moving towards you from its starboard side, while a red light indicates it is coming from the port side. Understanding these lights helps in determining the relative position and course of other vessels at night.
A visible white light indicates that the other vessel is a power-driven vessel.