Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What conditions require navigation lights to be displayed?

1. Daytime clear visibility

2. Nighttime only

3. Sunset to sunrise and restricted visibility

4. When in a busy harbor

The correct answer is: Sunset to sunrise and restricted visibility

Navigation lights are essential for ensuring the safety of vessels on the water, particularly in low visibility conditions. The requirement to display navigation lights from sunset to sunrise is aimed at helping boat operators see and identify each other, reducing the risk of collisions. Additionally, during times of restricted visibility—such as fog, heavy rain, or the presence of heavy traffic—navigation lights assist in maintaining safety by allowing vessels to signal their presence to others. In daytime clear visibility, it is generally not necessary to display navigation lights because the visibility is sufficient for vessels to see and avoid each other. During busy harbors, while awareness is important, the specific requirement for navigation lights typically applies primarily during night and restricted visibility conditions. Therefore, the correct understanding is that navigation lights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is compromised, ensuring that all watercraft are visible and can navigate safely.