What should be done when operating a vessel at night?

When operating a vessel at night, ensuring that all navigation lights are functioning and visible is crucial for safety. Navigation lights help other vessels see you and understand your position and direction, which is especially important in preventing collisions. These lights must be properly maintained and clearly visible from various angles to effectively alert other boaters of your presence.

Additionally, having operational navigation lights is not just a safety measure but also a legal requirement under maritime regulations. Each type of vessel has specific lighting requirements depending on its size, type, and whether it is underway or anchored, which emphasizes the importance of being knowledgeable about these rules.

Increasing speed might compromise safety as it diminishes the ability to react to obstacles or other vessels. Keeping the vessel anchored does not promote safe navigation during night operations and would limit movement when it is necessary to maneuver. Using a sound signal continuously may not be appropriate and could confuse other boaters about your intentions, as sound signals are meant for specific situations rather than continuous use.