What Do the Lights on a Boat Mean?

During failing visibility or night operations, boat lights identify the position and movement of a boat. Boat lights are not required for boaters to see in front of them, although some boats do have them.

  1. Light Positions

    • Boats have four lights: a red one and a green one on the bow, a rear white one and a center white one that is generally referred to as the anchor light. The port bow light is red and the starboard one is green.

    At Anchor

    • A boat at anchor is required to light its central, midship, white light at night so other boaters can see and avoid the boat.

    Advances

    • Modern boats might have advanced navigation equipment including GPS, radar and other radio equipment to help them avoid other boating traffic.

    Mainstays

    • Despite advances, lights remain common indicators of position and the main way for other boaters to identify water traffic.

    Example

    • Two boats approach each other bow to bow. The boaters on each boat see red lights. This would tell them that they are going to pass port to port, which is the standard passing procedure.