If you see a red, a green, and a white light, what action is required?

When encountering a red, a green, and a white light while on the water, it indicates the presence of two vessels that may be navigating in close proximity. The red and green lights represent the side lights of the vessels, with red typically being on the port side and green on the starboard side. The presence of the white light suggests an overall navigation or masthead light, which would be seen from a distance and provides context to the situation.

To ensure safe navigation and adherence to the rules of the road, both vessels must give way to prevent collisions. This is rooted in maritime navigation rules, specifically the Colreg (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) that dictates how vessels should interact based on their respective lights. By yielding, both parties are upholding their responsibility to maintain safety on the water.

Maintaining speed or declaring a night sailing rule is not advisable in this situation, as it does not prioritize the necessary action of yielding. Turning around would be an extreme response that does not consider the operational guidelines established for navigating near other vessels. Therefore, the best course of action when encountering this light configuration is for both vessels to give way accordingly.