Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What must vessels do when the navigation lights are not displayed?

1. Proceed at full speed

2. Assume other vessels are anchored

3. Display warning signals

4. Stop navigation until lights are displayed

The correct answer is: Stop navigation until lights are displayed

When navigation lights are not displayed on a vessel, it is essential to stop navigation until proper lighting can be restored. This is crucial for safety reasons, as navigation lights are vital for indicating a vessel's presence, size, type, and direction of travel during periods of low visibility, such as at night or in poor weather. Without these lights, other vessels may not see the affected vessel, which greatly increases the risk of collisions. Stopping navigation ensures that the vessel does not endanger itself or others in the vicinity. It also provides an opportunity to assess the situation, find a safe location, and rectify the issue with the navigation lights. Operating a vessel without proper lighting can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of intentions among nearby vessels, which could ultimately result in dangerous situations.