What is one of the primary uses of navigation lights?

One of the primary uses of navigation lights is to signal to other vessels that a boat is present. Navigation lights serve an essential function in ensuring safety on the water, especially during darkness or low visibility conditions. These lights indicate the boat's position, heading, and type to other vessels, allowing for better situational awareness and helping to prevent collisions. Different colors and configurations of lights convey specific information; for example, white lights at the stern and colored lights at the bow help indicate the direction in which a boat is traveling.

While navigation lights can contribute to other activities, such as fishing or assisting in docking procedures, these are secondary functions. The main goal of these lights is communication with other vessels, thereby promoting safety on the water.