If you see a steady white light while boating, which direction is the other vessel most likely headed?

A steady white light indicates that the other vessel is likely moving away from you. In maritime navigation, the lights displayed by a vessel provide crucial information about its size, type, and direction of travel. Vessels that are moving away from another boat typically exhibit a steady white light that can be seen from behind. This light is not used by vessels operating under sail and therefore signifies a different type of vessel, most often a powered vessel that is proceeding directly away from the observer.

In contrast, if a vessel were headed toward you, it would display various colored lights: a red light on the port (left) side and a green light on the starboard (right) side, along with a white light that could be on the stern. A stationary vessel would not display any lights or would possibly show an anchor light alone, and a vessel in reverse would typically also show a specific configuration of lights that differ from a steady white light. Understanding these lights is essential for safe navigation and situational awareness while on the water.