From sunset to sunrise, what navigation lights must a motorboat display?

• A. Red port sidelight, green starboard sidelight, and a white stern light (plus a masthead light if required by length).
• B. Blue beacon only.
• C. No lights are required.
• D. Only a single white light.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is signaling your vessel’s presence and direction at night. From sunset to sunrise, a motorboat underway must show the standard navigation lights: a red light on the port (left) side, a green light on the starboard (right) side, and a white light at the stern. If the boat’s length (or other regulations) requires it, a forward white masthead light is also added. These lights let other mariners know where you are and which direction you’re moving—red and green indicate your sides, while the stern white light shows you’re moving forward and helps others judge your heading. The other options aren’t correct because they don’t provide the full set of signals needed to convey position and direction at night.