Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What color is the light that indicates a vessel's port side?

1. Green

2. Red

3. Blue

4. White

The correct answer is: Red

The color that indicates a vessel's port side is red. In maritime navigation, vessels are outfitted with specific colored lights to ensure safe and effective communication on the water, especially at night or during poor visibility. The red light is used on the port side, which is the left side of the vessel when facing forward. This standard is crucial for other vessels to identify the direction a boat is heading; when a red light is visible, it signals that the port side is facing them, indicating that the vessel is facing a certain way. Understanding this color-coding system supports safe navigation, as it helps mariners determine the position and orientation of other vessels, preventing collisions and enhancing overall maritime safety. Other colors like green and white serve different purposes in this system, with green indicating the starboard side and white serving as a masthead or all-round light. Thus, knowing that the port side light is red is essential for everyone operating on the water.