What does the green light on a boat indicate?

The green light on a boat indicates the starboard (right) side of the vessel. In navigation, the color of lights is standardized to help boaters identify the direction a vessel is facing and its relative position to other vessels during nighttime or low-visibility conditions.

The system is designed to enhance marine safety by providing a quick visual cue. A green light seen from another vessel indicates that it is observing the starboard side of the approaching vessel, signaling that it’s safe to pass on that side. This is crucial for preventing collisions and ensuring safe navigation.

Other options, such as identifying the stern or port side, do not align with the standard color-coding system used in maritime navigation, which designates red for the port side and white for the stern or stern lights. The reference to a signal for docking does not relate to the purpose of the colored lights used on boats for navigation.