What is one common method to indicate your presence to other boaters?

Using navigational lights is a vital method for indicating your presence to other boaters, particularly during low visibility conditions such as nighttime or fog. Navigational lights help communicate the size and orientation of your vessel to others on the water, allowing them to gauge distance and direction effectively. This is crucial for preventing collisions and promoting safe navigation among various types of vessels.

While waving a flag, using a loud horn, and stopping the boat frequently might seem like viable methods, they do not offer the same level of clarity and consistency as navigational lights. Flags can be hard to see from a distance or may not be recognized by all boaters, horns might not be effective in all scenarios, and stopping the boat can create uncertainty around your intentions and movement, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, navigational lights remain the most recognized and effective means of ensuring your presence is known on the water.