What does a white all-around light typically indicate at night?

What does a white all-around light typically indicate at night?

• A. The boat is anchored (or not underway but at rest)
• B. The boat is making way
• C. The boat is under power with engines running
• D. The boat is towing another vessel

Answer: (A)

A white all-around light signals that the vessel is anchored or not underway. This 360-degree white light is used to mark a stationary position so other mariners know the boat isn’t moving and can take care to avoid collision, especially in busy waters at night. If a vessel is making way or under power, you’d expect different lighting patterns—sidelights (red and green) plus a white masthead or stern light—while a towing situation adds a yellow towing light. So the presence of the all-around white light specifically indicates the boat is at rest.