What is the purpose of navigation lights on a boat?

Navigation lights are crucial for ensuring safety on the water, particularly during low visibility conditions such as nighttime or inclement weather. Their primary purpose is to indicate a vessel's position, direction, and status to other boaters, helping to prevent collisions. Each color and configuration of the lights represents specific meanings: for example, a red light typically shows the left side of the vessel, while a green light indicates the right side. This system of lights allows boaters to determine how another vessel is oriented and its intended course, which is essential for safe navigation.

Options that suggest the lights improve speed or enhance visibility during the day miss the fundamental purpose of navigation lights. While they do provide some visibility, their main function is to communicate a vessel’s presence and movements to others on the water, rather than to be a source of daytime visibility. Additionally, the signaling of distress is addressed through specific signals and flags rather than standard navigation lights, which have a distinct role in maritime safety protocols.