Approaching a redside light means?

• A. Proceed
• B. Maintain course
• C. Stop
• D. Turn to starboard

Answer: (C)

Redside light indicates the port-hand side—a signal that you’re near the left side of a vessel or the boundary of a channel and there’s potential danger if you proceed without checking your safety. When you’re approaching a redside light, stopping gives you time to evaluate your position, the other vessel’s movements, and whether there is a safe path to pass. This keeps you from blindly entering a restricted area or crossing paths with another vessel.

Continuing to proceed or maintain course could put you on a collision course or into a hazardous area, and turning to starboard without first assessing the situation may not resolve the risk. Stop first, then decide the safest maneuver based on the relative positions and right-of-way rules.