Massachusetts Boating Certification Practice Test

Vessels are required to display navigation lights from sunset to sunrise as a vital safety measure. This regulation ensures that a vessel is visible to others during nighttime and helps prevent collisions on the water. During this time, lighting serves to indicate the size, direction of travel, and type of vessel, which is essential for safe navigation.

In addition to nighttime requirements, navigation lights may also be necessary during periods of restricted visibility, such as in fog or heavy rain. However, the fundamental rule mandates that these lights must be on from sunset to sunrise, regardless of weather conditions.

The other options do not adhere to the established safety regulations for navigation lights, as they either limit the times when lights are required or impose irrelevant conditions. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses the essential timeframe for navigation light usage to ensure safety on the water.