What do the colors of navigational lights indicate?

The colors of navigational lights are specifically designed to convey important information about a vessel's position and its type. In maritime navigation, lights are used to indicate the orientation and activity of a vessel, which is essential for safety and collision avoidance. For example, a green light typically signifies the starboard side of a vessel, while red indicates the port side. A white light indicates the stern. The configuration and colors of these lights help mariners quickly assess the type of vessel they are encountering, whether it is a sailing yacht, cargo ship, or fishing boat, as well as its direction of travel. This system of colored lights maintains standardized communication between vessels at night or in low visibility conditions, promoting safe navigation on the water.