True or False: If you see a red and a white light ahead when boating at night, you should maintain your course and speed.

When boating at night, seeing a red and a white light ahead typically indicates the presence of a vessel that is either anchored or approaching with the possibility of it being a navigation hazard. In such situations, the appropriate action is not to maintain your course and speed. Instead, you should alter your course to avoid a potential collision. This is important for safety, as navigating directly toward a vessel with this light configuration could lead to misunderstanding the situation and increase the risk of an accident.

In maritime navigation, recognizing the significance of colored lights is crucial. A red light on your starboard side (right side) indicates another vessel is approaching from that direction, and a white light generally signals the presence of a boat ahead or possibly at anchor. Therefore, understanding how to interpret these signals allows you to make informed decisions while on the water, prioritizing safety over speed or habitual navigation patterns.

In contrast, the other answer choices suggest situations where maintaining course and speed might be acceptable, but they do not account for the critical need to assess potential hazards. Therefore, recognizing the lights accurately and acting accordingly is essential.