What do white lights only indicate when observed on another vessel?

When you observe white lights on another vessel, this typically indicates that you are looking at the stern (rear) of that vessel. In maritime navigation, vessels are required to display specific lights so that their position and direction can be understood by others. The white light at the stern is a key indicator of the direction the vessel is facing, as this light is a signal for vessels behind to understand that they are looking at the back of the other boat.

Understanding this is crucial for safe navigation, as recognizing the position of another vessel helps in determining appropriate actions to avoid collisions and maintain safe distances. In contrast, colored lights are associated with the front (bow) and sides (port and starboard) of other vessels, serving different purposes in signaling and navigation.