Two vessels are in an overtaking situation. Which lights on the overtaken vessel will the overtaking vessel see?

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Multiple Choice

Two vessels are in an overtaking situation. Which lights on the overtaken vessel will the overtaking vessel see?

Explanation:
In an overtaking situation, direction matters for which lights are visible. The stern light is the white light at the rear of a vessel and is the one that can be seen from directly behind. The port and starboard sidelights (red and green) and the masthead light are oriented toward the bow and forward sides, so they aren’t visible to a vessel that is approaching from behind. Therefore, the overtaking vessel will see only the overtaken vessel’s stern light.

In an overtaking situation, direction matters for which lights are visible. The stern light is the white light at the rear of a vessel and is the one that can be seen from directly behind. The port and starboard sidelights (red and green) and the masthead light are oriented toward the bow and forward sides, so they aren’t visible to a vessel that is approaching from behind. Therefore, the overtaking vessel will see only the overtaken vessel’s stern light.

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