What light is required for night or restricted visibility when kayaking?

• A. Red sidelights
• B. Yellow strobe
• C. Green nav light
• D. All-around white light

Answer: (D)

Being visible from all directions is essential when kayaking at night or in restricted visibility. A light that provides 360-degree visibility, like an all-around white light, lets other vessels see you and understand your presence and approximate location regardless of their direction of travel. Red sidelights or green nav lights are directional signals used on powered or sailing craft to indicate their heading, not to signal a kayaker’s presence to everyone around. A yellow strobe can attract attention, but it isn’t a standard navigation light and may not meet the required signaling for night or restricted visibility. An all-around white light fulfills the rule for clear, continuous visibility in all directions, making it the proper choice.