Underway at night, you see the red sidelight of a vessel well off your port bow. Which statement is true?

Underway at night, you see the red sidelight of a vessel well off your port bow. Which statement is true?

• A. You may reduce speed and alter course to starboard
• B. You must turn to port immediately
• C. You may maintain course and speed
• D. You must signal with sound

Answer: (C)

Seeing a red sidelight means you’re looking at the other vessel’s port side. If that vessel is well off your port bow, it’s on your left front, and from its perspective you’re on its starboard side. In this crossing situation the vessel on your starboard side has the right of way, so you are the stand-on vessel. You may maintain your course and speed and continue to monitor the other vessel, taking action only if the risk of collision develops. Reducing speed or turning would be actions you’d take if the other vessel alters course or if the situation creates a risk, but not as a required response just from seeing its red light. Signaling with sound isn’t mandated by this specific scenario.

Seeing a red sidelight means you’re looking at the other vessel’s port side. If that vessel is well off your port bow, it’s on your left front, and from its perspective you’re on its starboard side. In this crossing situation the vessel on your starboard side has the right of way, so you are the stand-on vessel. You may maintain your course and speed and continue to monitor the other vessel, taking action only if the risk of collision develops. Reducing speed or turning would be actions you’d take if the other vessel alters course or if the situation creates a risk, but not as a required response just from seeing its red light. Signaling with sound isn’t mandated by this specific scenario.