What is the purpose of navigation lights on a boat?

Navigation lights are a critical safety feature for boats, especially when operating during low-light conditions such as nighttime or in poor visibility. Their primary purpose is to indicate the vessel's position, size, and direction of travel to other boaters. This helps to prevent collisions and ensures that all vessels can navigate safely in shared waterways.

Each type of navigation light has a specific function and placement on the boat to convey essential information. For example, a green light typically indicates the starboard side, while a red light indicates the port side. By clearly displaying these lights, boaters can understand how to approach or pass another vessel, maintaining safety on the water.

Other options suggest uses that do not align with the primary function of navigation lights. Enhancing speed, attracting fish, or assisting with docking in daylight do not align with the critical safety measures navigation lights were designed to provide. Therefore, the emphasis on indicating position and direction is what makes this answer the most accurate and important in understanding boat safety regulations.