What is the function of a red navigation light?

The red navigation light serves a specific purpose in maritime navigation by indicating the port side of a vessel. This is an essential aspect of boat operation, especially during nighttime or in low visibility conditions. By displaying a red light on the port side, it helps other vessels determine the position and direction of travel of a boat. This is vital for preventing collisions at sea, as vessels can properly identify each other’s courses and take appropriate actions to avoid accidents.

In maritime practices, the convention of using red for the port side and green for the starboard side is standardized, allowing for uniformity and safety across different types of vessels. Other lights or signals on a vessel serve different functions. For instance, the stern is often marked by a white light, and emergency signals utilize distinct patterns or colors that are universally recognized for signaling distress.