What is the role of navigational lights during a night passage?

Navigational lights play a crucial role during a night passage by indicating the position and direction of a vessel. They provide visual information that allows other vessels to ascertain the type, size, and heading of a boat. By illuminating specific colors and configurations, these lights signify whether a vessel is approaching or moving away, as well as its status (underway, anchored, or aground).

For instance, the arrangement and colors of navigation lights help to determine if a vessel is a fishing boat, a sailing ship, or a powered craft, and whether it is crossing paths with another vessel. This visual communication is essential for safe navigation in darkness, improving situational awareness for all mariners on the water.

While the other options touch upon aspects of navigation and safety, they don't encompass the primary purpose of navigational lights as effectively. The role of guiding a captain (while important) can also be fulfilled by other navigational aids. Signaling the arrival of cargo and preventing collision are certainly relevant to maritime operations, but the direct function of navigation lights specifically pertains to indicating a vessel’s positioning and heading, thereby allowing mariners to navigate safely and avoid potential risks.