you are operating a powerboat at night. you see green and white lights on another boat. what do these lights tell you?
LectureNotes said you are operating a powerboat at night. you see green and white lights on another boat. what do these lights tell you?
Answer: When you are operating a powerboat at night and you see green and white lights on another boat, these lights provide important information about the other boat’s direction and your relative position to it. Here is a detailed explanation:
**1. Navigation Lights on Boats:
- Green Light: This is the starboard (right) side light of the boat.
- Red Light: This is the port (left) side light of the boat.
- White Light: This is the stern (rear) light of the boat.
**2. Interpreting the Lights:
- When you see a green light and a white light, it means you are looking at the starboard side of the other boat and you are approaching from its port side.
- The white light indicates the stern of the boat, which means the boat is moving away from you.
**3. Action to Take:
- Since you are seeing the green and white lights, you are in a crossing situation where the other boat has the right of way.
- You should maintain your course and speed, as the other boat will pass safely ahead of you.
**4. Rules of the Road:
- According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side must give way.
- In this case, you are the give-way vessel because you see the green light (indicating their starboard side), and you must take action to avoid a collision.
Conclusion:
Seeing green and white lights on another boat at night tells you that you are looking at the starboard side of the other boat, and it is moving away from you. You are the give-way vessel in this situation and should take appropriate action to avoid a collision.
By understanding these navigation lights and rules, you can ensure safe and effective night-time boating.