Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What action should you take when you see a red and a white light while boating at night?

1. Stand on

2. Give way

3. Increase speed

4. Change course

The correct answer is: Give way

When you see a red and a white light while boating at night, it indicates that another vessel is displaying its navigation lights, specifically indicating that it is a power-driven vessel that is underway. The red light signifies the port side of the other vessel, while the white light usually indicates the stern. This specific combination means you must give way to the other vessel, as it is a fundamental rule of navigation to avoid collisions on the water. Understanding this situation is critical for safe navigation. The rules of the road, which are defined by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) as well as local regulations, require vessels to maintain safe distances and give way based on their orientations and types. Therefore, if you encounter this lighting configuration, you're required to take action to avoid a potential collision, which means you should give way rather than maintain your course, increase speed, or change course erratically without consideration.