When you see a red and a white light, what should you do?

When you see a red and a white light, you are observing the navigation lights of another vessel, specifically indicating that the vessel is a power-driven vessel that is at anchor. In this scenario, the appropriate action is to give way to the other vessel.

This is important for maintaining safe navigation on the water. The red and white light configuration indicates that you are approaching a vessel that may not be maneuvering but is not underway. By giving way, you are ensuring that you do not interfere with the anchored vessel and reduce the risk of a collision. This helps promote safety and order in waterway traffic, as all boaters must adhere to navigation rules to prevent accidents.

Other possible actions, such as maintaining course, speeding up to pass, or waiting for the vessel to signal, do not align with best practices for safe boating. Maintaining your course could lead to a collision with a stationary vessel, while speeding up is not only unsafe but can also be illegal depending on the context. Waiting for a signal from the other vessel might cause unnecessary delays and may not be an appropriate response since the anchored vessel may not be able to signal or respond.