What does it indicate when you see only a white light?

Seeing only a white light indicates that the vessel is anchored. In navigation, a white light is a common signal for vessels at anchor, allowing other boats to identify their status and avoid potential collisions. The absence of colored lights suggests that the vessel is not in motion, as colored navigation lights are typically displayed when a vessel is underway.

The option regarding passing another vessel is also relevant because it could imply that when you see a white light, you might be overtaking or passing a vessel, although this isn’t the specific meaning of a white light itself. Instead, recognizing that solely a white light means a vessel is at a standstill — anchored — is crucial for safe navigation.

Overall, only seeing a white light strongly suggests that the vessel is anchored, which is why the choice indicating both options is accurate. It emphasizes the importance of understanding navigation lights for safe boating practices, especially in dense traffic or in conditions where visibility is limited.