What does a green light indicate when boating at night?

A green light on a boat is important for determining the type of vessel you may be approaching at night. It indicates the starboard side (right side) of a vessel when viewed from the front. When you see a green light, it commonly signifies that you are likely approaching a sailing vessel that is operating under sail power or a powerboat having right-of-way.

At night, the navigation lights help vessels understand their relative positions and directions. Each type of vessel has a specific color of light to aid in identifying the type of boat and its orientation. If you encounter a boat displaying a green light on your right side, it usually suggests you're either approaching it or that it is moving directly towards you. Hence, confirming it is a sailing vessel aligns with maritime rules and aids in safe navigation.

The other options do not accurately represent what a green light signifies, further reinforcing why the choice regarding approaching a sailing vessel is key to understanding nighttime navigation.