If a kayak uses optional lights, which configuration is correct?

• A. White stern light only
• B. No lights allowed
• C. Blue light on bow
• D. Red/green sidelights, white stern light

Answer: (D)

When operating at night, the goal of navigation lights on a kayak is to clearly signal your presence and heading to other mariners. If you choose to use lights, the standard civilian configuration is a red light on the port (left) side, a green light on the starboard (right) side, and a white light at the stern. The red and green sidelights let other boats see your direction from the sides and ahead, while the white stern light shows from behind, helping others understand where you are going. A blue light on the bow is not part of the normal civilian navigation setup and can be confusing or inappropriate for a kayak. A single white stern light only wouldn’t convey your direction and position well, and having no lights at all would leave you invisible in low visibility. So the correct configuration is red/green sidelights plus a white stern light.