What is the light requirement for un-powered vessels when underway?

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Un-powered vessels, such as sailboats and canoes, must exhibit specific lighting to ensure visibility and safety while on the water during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. The requirement for unpowered vessels underway is to have red and green sidelights, which serve to indicate the vessel's direction to other boaters. These sidelights need to be visible from a distance of at least two miles away to enhance safety on the water, as they help other vessels determine the position and orientation of the un-powered vessel.

Having sidelights provides critical information about the vessel's heading: the red light indicates the port (left) side, while the green light indicates the starboard (right) side. This allows other mariners to ascertain the direction of travel and navigate accordingly, which is essential in preventing collisions.

The other options either do not address the requirements specifically for unpowered vessels or suggest lights that are not compliant with the regulations for their operation at night or during limited visibility. Understanding these lighting requirements is crucial for safe navigation and compliance with maritime laws.

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