Visible green and white lights on a vessel indicate which side?

The presence of visible green and white lights on a vessel indicates the starboard side. In maritime navigation, specific lights are used to communicate the orientation and direction of a vessel during both day and night. According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), vessels are required to display specific colored lights when underway.

A green light is specifically designated for the starboard (right) side of the vessel when looking forward. This means that when you see a green light, you can determine that you are looking at the starboard side of the vessel, helping in identifying which direction the vessel is heading. The white light typically represents the masthead light or the stern light, depending on the context, but it is not used to specify the sides of the vessel.

Understanding these light signals is crucial for safe navigation, particularly during nighttime or reduced visibility conditions, as they allow boaters to quickly discern the orientation of other vessels and ensure safe passage.