Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What must anchored vessels display at night when outside a designated mooring area?

1. A red light visible in all directions

2. A white light visible in all directions

3. A green light visible only in one direction

4. No lights are required

The correct answer is: A white light visible in all directions

Anchored vessels must display a white light visible in all directions at night when outside a designated mooring area to indicate their presence to other vessels. This requirement ensures safety on the water by alerting nearby boats about the anchored vessel's location, helping to prevent collisions. The white light must be bright enough and positioned such that it is visible from all angles, allowing other operators to navigate safely in the vicinity. The rationale behind using a white light, rather than colored lights, is that white light is universally recognized in maritime navigation as a signal for vessels at anchor, distinguishing them from other types of vessels that may be underway and displaying different light configurations according to their activities.