What is the function of navigation lights on a boat?

The function of navigation lights on a boat is primarily to signal the presence of a vessel during nighttime or in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog or heavy rain. These lights are essential for safety as they communicate the boat's position, heading, and activity to other vessels in the vicinity. Proper use of navigation lights helps prevent collisions and ensures that all boaters are aware of each other’s presence on the water.

Navigation lights are standardized, meaning that certain configurations and colors are used universally to convey specific information. For example, a red light on the left (port) side and a green light on the right (starboard) side indicate the direction in which the boat is traveling. A white light at the stern shows the rear of the vessel. This system allows for clear communication between vessels, especially in crowded or congested waterways, where visibility may be compromised.

In contrast, while illuminating the boat for passenger comfort and enhancing aesthetic appearance may sound appealing, these aspects are not the primary purposes of navigation lights. Attracting fish is also not relevant to the function of navigation lights, as these lights do not serve any role in fishing practices.