When must navigational lights be displayed?

• A. From sunrise to sunset
• B. From sunset to sunrise, and during periods of restricted visibility
• C. Only at night
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

Navigational lights are used to make a vessel visible to others and to signal its presence, size, and direction when visibility is limited. They must be displayed from sunset to sunrise to ensure you’re seen when there’s not enough natural light. They also must be on during periods of restricted visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow, even if it’s daytime. That’s why this option is correct: it covers the regular nighttime requirement and the additional daytime visibility need in poor conditions.

Options that suggest lights are only needed at sunrise to sunset or only at night miss the important rule about restricted visibility, and “always” isn’t correct because there are daylight periods when lights aren’t required if visibility is good.