What does a white all-around light typically indicate at night?

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Multiple Choice

What does a white all-around light typically indicate at night?

A white all-around light signals that the vessel is anchored or not underway. This 360-degree white light is used to mark a stationary position so other mariners know the boat isn’t moving and can take care to avoid collision, especially in busy waters at night. If a vessel is making way or under power, you’d expect different lighting patterns—sidelights (red and green) plus a white masthead or stern light—while a towing situation adds a yellow towing light. So the presence of the all-around white light specifically indicates the boat is at rest.

A white all-around light signals that the vessel is anchored or not underway. This 360-degree white light is used to mark a stationary position so other mariners know the boat isn’t moving and can take care to avoid collision, especially in busy waters at night. If a vessel is making way or under power, you’d expect different lighting patterns—sidelights (red and green) plus a white masthead or stern light—while a towing situation adds a yellow towing light. So the presence of the all-around white light specifically indicates the boat is at rest.

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