Like Racer, I avoid situations like that...Dont like people that much, too dangerous a scenerio. Been there done that.
However if in that situation, I'd be way over, out of the way..and going pretty slow. unless i'm offshore, with my Radar on, its not worth the risk, go slow.
I’ve actually thought about rigging up a set of forward running lights on my fishing boat just for emergency situations where I can’t get back to camp/ramp before dark. Something LED that I can stow and just rig up if I really need them.
I think running with extra lights on (except for certain allowed reasons) is illegal, USCG approved navigation lights are the only thing that should be on while underway, no-one should hold a light straight on you or have headlights on while underway, I've seen a pontoon boat pulled over for that (I think it was for that)
On the fireworks subject, It's about the same up here in Canada on July 1st.
Many years ago I was leaving the fireworks along with a pontoon boat. The operator of the pontoon boat had had a few drinks and somehow, while changing fuel tanks, he managed to shut of his nav lights. Attempts to get his attention failed. So for the remainder of the trip to his place I had to light up his stern with my spotlight whenever someone got close.
On a more somber note. Not so long ago after the same event, farther up the lake a larger boat up on plane ran over an open boat fishing. Both persons in the open boat were killed.
I NEVER RUN ON PLANE AT NIGHT.
There was a time I loved taking the boat out night fishing. The quiet tranquility, looking up at all the stars we couldn't see in the city, the sounds of the frogs trying to make baby frogs, even nature at it's crulest when an Owl takes an unsuspecting Rabbit that screams like an injured child. The night brings on wonders daylight does not. Then one peaceful evening a party boat was zooming around the lake full of hammered drunk and smoked up kids. I said to my brother I think we should get back to the cottage. Sure enough the next day we heard the 12 kids on a home made swim raft turned into a boat hit a 12 foot tinny. 4 kids on the party barge and both fishermen were killed not 500 yards from our camp and several with critical injuries. We didn't hear a thing. I have not gone out at night since and don't intend on ever going out after dark unless we are on an outpost camp in the Arctic watershed, maybe, and I miss it.
It's too bad a few bad apples can ruin the whole bunch , I still go out at night but I have to - keep alert , eyes peeled - and ears open - also ready to move quick if necessary,
I don't usually run at night but I have a cabin boat and find it very satisfying to find a quiet cove to
anchor for the night. There's really nothing as calming for me.
I tend to steam ahead at about 5 knots in pure darkness (no radar) boats flying by on both sides like a one way street. I don't mind it, I have a good stern light and they can easily see me, I hold it steady, don't make any sudden moves, I don't get in a hurry, call me crazy, I like it !
