When out on the water, it’s important to know which way to steer in order to avoid collisions with other boats. One of the most important tools for boaters to use is navigation lights. These lights are used to indicate which way a boat is heading, making it easier for other boaters to see and avoid them. But do you know which side of the boat the red and green navigation lights are on?
The answer is that the red light is always on the port, or left, side of the boat. The green light is always on the starboard, or right, side of the boat. This is true whether you’re on a small motorboat, a sailboat or even a huge cargo ship. These lights are used as guidance to help determine the direction and position of the boats in relation to each other.
The placement of these lights is not arbitrary – they are actually regulated by international laws known as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). These laws mandate specific light configurations for different types and sizes of boats, based on how they are likely to encounter each other on the water.
When you approach another boat, you can tell which way it is heading by looking at its navigation lights. If you see a green light, you know they are heading towards you from the starboard side. If you see a red light, you know they are heading towards you from the port side. And if you see both green and red lights, you know the boat is heading directly towards you.
It’s important to remember that navigation lights are not just helpful for other boaters to see you – they can also help you see other boats in your vicinity. If you’re not sure about which way another boat is heading, you can use their navigation lights as a key indicator.
In closing, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself on the rules and regulations surrounding boating safety. Understanding the position of red and green navigation lights is an important step towards staying safe on the water. By keeping these lights in mind when navigating your boat, you can help ensure that all boaters stay safe and out of harm’s way.