Which colors are used for different types of navigation lights?

Navigational lights are critical for safe operation at night or in reduced visibility conditions, helping to indicate the position and orientation of a vessel. The correct answer states that red is used for port (the left side of the vessel when facing forward) and green is used for starboard (the right side of the vessel).

This color scheme is standardized internationally to ensure uniformity in maritime navigation. The red light allows other vessels to identify that they are seeing the port side of a vessel, while the green light indicates the starboard side. This information is crucial for determining the relative positioning of vessels and for avoiding collisions, especially during night operations when visibility is low.

The other choices do not reflect the internationally accepted color coding for navigational lights, which is the primary reason they are not correct. Understanding this system is essential for any navigator or coxswain to ensure safety on the water.