What is the purpose of navigation lights on a boat?

Navigation lights on a boat serve the essential purpose of signaling the vessel's location and direction to others on the water, especially during low visibility conditions such as nighttime or inclement weather. These lights help prevent collisions by making the boat's presence known to other vessels in the area.

Each type of navigation light has a specific function and color, which conveys important information. For instance, the red light typically indicates the port side (left side when facing forward), while the green light indicates the starboard side (right side). A white light at the stern helps to signal the boat's presence from behind. This system allows mariners to assess other vessels' position, direction of travel, and whether they are approaching or moving away.

In contrast, the other options either do not relate to the critical function of navigation lights or suggest purposes that are irrelevant or even counterproductive to safe boating practices.