In a power-driven vessel underway, what is the color arrangement of the sidelights?

• A. Red on the port side and Green on the starboard side, plus a white stern light; masthead light if required by vessel length.
• B. Green on the port side and Red on the starboard side.
• C. White sidelight on both sides.
• D. Yellow sidelight on both sides.

Answer: (A)

When a power-driven vessel is underway, the sidelights are color-coded to show your direction: red on the port (left) side and green on the starboard (right) side. This arrangement lets other vessels determine whether you’re coming toward them or passing to their port or starboard, helping you avoid collisions. In addition to these colored sidelights, a white stern light is required, and a forward masthead light is added if the vessel’s length requires it. The other options mix up the colors or suggest lights that aren’t used for sidelights on an underway power-driven vessel.