Question

You are operating a powerboat at nighta pwc is overtaking another vessel. which vessel must give way? you see red and white lights on another boat. what do these lights tell you?

A) The powerboat must give way to the PWC.
B) The PWC must give way to the powerboat.
C) The vessel being overtaken must give way to the PWC.
D) Both vessels must stop and give way.
E) The red and white lights indicate a stationary vessel.

Answer 1

When a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is overtaking another vessel, according to 'Rules of the Road', the vessel being overtaken must give way. Red and white lights on a boat usually represent the port (left) side and stern/aft of a moving boat respectively. This means option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

In maritime navigation, there are specific rules known as the Navigation Rules or 'Rules of the Road' that dictate which vessel needs to give way. In this scenario where a Personal Watercraft (PWC) is overtaking another vessel, the vessel being overtaken must give way. This means option C is correct as per the navigation rules, the overtaking vessel (PWC in this case) must keep clear of the vessel it's overtaking until it's past and clear.

Next, if you see red and white lights on another boat while you're operating a powerboat at night, these lights are servicing specific purposes. The red light indicates the port (left) side of the boat, and the white light is typically a stern or aft light. The sighting of these lights would imply that the boat is underway and moving, opposing to option E which indicates the vessel is stationary.

Learn more about Maritime Navigation