15
Chapter 3
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Night Navigation
Night navigation presents additional challenges. You should always operate at a
slower speed at night and be on sharp lookout for the lights of other vessels. The
lights displayed by other vessels will help you determine whether they are operating
under power or sail, and their direction of travel. Once you've determined this, you
apply the same navigation rules used in the daytime. However, never assume that
the lights of other vessels are working properly. Allow plenty of time and distance to
give way if needed, even if the lights indicate you are the stand-on vessel.
Encountering a Sailing Vessel at Night
When you see only a green light
or only a red light, you may be
approaching a sailing vessel and
you must give way. A sailing vessel
is always the stand-on vessel except
when it is overtaking.
When you see a red and a green
light but no white light, you are
approaching a sailing vessel head-on
and you must give way.
Power-Driven Vessel Encountering
Other Vessels at Night
When you see a red, a green, and
a white light, you are approaching
another power-driven vessel head-on
and both vessels must give way.
When you see only a white light, you
are overtaking another vessel or it is
anchored. It is the stand-on vessel,
whether underway or anchored. You
may go around it on either side.
When you see a green and a white
light, you are the stand-on vessel.
You should remain alert, however,
in case the other vessel operator
does not see you or does not
know navigation rules.
When you see a red and a white light,
you must give way to the other vessel!
Slow down and allow the vessel to
pass, or you may turn to the right and
pass behind the other vessel.
Towing Lights
When commercial vessels are towing or pushing a barge, they display one or more yellow lights in place of a sternlight.
There may be an unlit space of several hundred yards between the lights displayed on the bow and stern of the composite
formed by the commercial vessel and its barge(s). Learn to recognize commercial vessel lights if boating on rivers, harbors, or
coastal waters.
Unlit space of several hundred yards
Give way
Give way
Give way
Stand on
Be prepared
to give way!!
Give way
Give way
Give way
Give way
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