What does a white light on another vessel indicate?

A white light on another vessel indicates that you are either overtaking it or that it is anchored. In maritime navigation, understanding the significance of various lights is crucial for determining the status and intentions of other vessels. A white light can be used for visibility when a vessel is at anchor, making it identifiable to others in the area.

When you observe a white light, it suggests that the vessel is either stationary (anchored) or you may be in the process of overtaking it, as this light indicates its orientation towards you. In contrast, the other options relate to different light signals which indicate other scenarios; for example, specific distress signals or docking procedures are represented by different colored lights or combinations thereof. Thus, recognizing that a white light signifies the aforementioned situations is vital for safe navigation and situational awareness on the water.