Massachusetts Boating Certification Practice Test

A vessel is required to use navigation lights at night and during periods of reduced visibility to ensure safety and enhance visibility on the water. The primary purpose of navigation lights is to signal a vessel's position, orientation, and status to other boaters, thereby preventing collisions. During nighttime or in circumstances such as fog, rain, or other limited visibility conditions, navigation lights are crucial for helping vessels see each other and understand their movements.

Using navigation lights only during emergencies, when docking, or on weekends does not provide adequate safety measures for all boating conditions. Boaters must use their navigation lights consistently to comply with maritime regulations and to protect themselves and others on the water, making it essential that these lights are operational not just at specific times or in certain situations, but whenever visibility is compromised.