Re: Dumb question
"have nothing to do with lights on the front of the boat (they are just visual reference for other boats approaching)."<br /><br />Actually the color of the lights have everything to due with orientation. When approaching a boat which is on your starboard (right) side you will see his red light meaning you should yield the right of way, he will see your green light indicating he has the right away. The same goes for the other side if a boat is approaching from your port side (left when driving) he will see your red light and you will see his green light. This means you have the right away and should maintain course, he needs to slow down or alter course to avoid crossing in front of you. This goes with or without lights even in the daytime. Unfortunately too many boaters do not understand these basic rules of the road for boating.