Navigation Lights Quiz

Scenario 1 of 12 — step through each light configuration

WhiteRedGreenYellow

You see these lights dead ahead at night. What type of vessel is this, and what aspect are you viewing?

Power vessel underway — head-on aspect

Two white masthead lights (lower forward, higher aft) plus both red (port) and green (starboard) sidelights means you are looking directly at the bow of a power vessel. This is a crossing/meeting situation requiring action.

📖 Rule 23(a) — Power-driven vessels underway

Exam Tip — The Big 4

Remember these key identifiers: No masthead light = sailing vessel. Two red lights = NUC. Red-white-red = RAM. Green over white = trawling. Navigation lights questions appear on every USCG exam — know all vessel types cold.