Under what conditions should lights be displayed for vessels?

Displaying lights on vessels is essential for ensuring safe navigation and maintaining visibility in various conditions. During periods of reduced visibility, whether due to fog, rain, or darkness, lights help other vessels see your position, course, and speed, thus preventing collisions.

The answer highlighting that lights should be displayed whenever deemed appropriate covers all scenarios where safety and navigation visibility can be compromised. This includes situations throughout the day or night, during inclement weather, and at any other time when visibility is less than ideal. Moreover, maritime regulations often mandate the use of navigation lights not only for the safety of the vessel but also to comply with international maritime laws.

In contrast, limiting the display of lights to only clear visibility, sunrise and sunset, or foggy conditions does not address the full scope of visibility hazards that vessels may encounter. Transportation safety principles dictate that it is best to proactively use lights to enhance safety rather than reactively depending on specific conditions. Therefore, the most comprehensive approach is to ensure lights are used as necessary for safe navigation in any situation encountered at sea.