BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 05 - Navigating the Waterways
Starboard (Right) Approach
If a red and white light is visible, then another boat is approaching you from your boat’s starboard (right) side. In this situation, you are the give-way craft and must yield the right-of-way. You should take early and substantial action to steer well clear of the other boat. Reduce your speed, change direction and pass at a safe distance behind the other boat.
A simple way to make sense of powerboat navigation lights is to remember the following rule of thumb:
A green light = GO (because another boat is approaching you from your port side).
A red light = STOP (because another boat is approaching from your starboard side).
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