What is the purpose of using navigation lights while operating a boat at night?

Using navigation lights while operating a boat at night serves a critical function in ensuring safety on the waterways. The main purpose of these lights is to communicate the boat's position and direction to other vessels. This is essential during nighttime or conditions of reduced visibility, as it allows nearby boaters to see where a vessel is heading and its relative size and type.

For example, different colors and placements of navigation lights indicate whether a boat is moving or stationary, and which direction it is facing. A red light typically indicates the port (left) side of the vessel, while a green light shows the starboard (right) side, and a white light at the stern indicates the boat's rear. By understanding these lights, other captains can exercise caution, navigate safely, and avoid collisions on the water.

Other purposes, such as looking attractive or signaling fishing zones, do not contribute to safety and situational awareness in the same crucial manner. Showing off the boat's size lacks practicality and relevance in the operation of the vessel at night, reinforcing that navigation lights are fundamentally about communication and safety.