When a vessel is overtaking another vessel at night, which light of the vessel ahead is visible?

When a vessel is overtaking another vessel at night, which light of the vessel ahead is visible?

• A. The bow light
• B. All navigation lights
• C. Only the sternlight of the vessel
• D. Only the red sidelight

Answer: (C)

When one vessel is overtaking another at night, the light you can see on the vessel ahead is the white stern light. This light is placed at the stern and is designed to be visible from behind, signaling the rear of the vessel. The forward masthead light and the red and green sidelights are aimed toward the bow and sides, so they aren’t visible from a position behind the vessel. The bow light is also forward-focused and wouldn’t be seen from behind. So, the only light visible to the overtaking vessel is the stern light.

When one vessel is overtaking another at night, the light you can see on the vessel ahead is the white stern light. This light is placed at the stern and is designed to be visible from behind, signaling the rear of the vessel. The forward masthead light and the red and green sidelights are aimed toward the bow and sides, so they aren’t visible from a position behind the vessel. The bow light is also forward-focused and wouldn’t be seen from behind. So, the only light visible to the overtaking vessel is the stern light.