What does it indicate when you see only a white light at night?

Seeing only a white light at night indicates that you are approaching a powered vessel that is underway and can be either a give way or a stand-on vessel depending on the situation. However, primarily, it suggests that you are the give way vessel in this context. As the give way vessel, you are required to take action to avoid a collision by altering your course or speed.

In nighttime navigation, the visibility of only a white light typically comes from the stern or the bow of another vessel, reinforcing the responsibility to give way. On the other hand, if you were to see colored lights (red or green in addition to white), it would indicate the type and position of the other vessel and your obligations might change, including potentially being a stand-on vessel depending on specific circumstances.

Understanding these signals is crucial for safe navigation at night, where misinterpretation can lead to dangerous situations.