During what conditions should a boat always have its navigation lights on?

A boat should always have its navigation lights on during nighttime and in conditions of reduced visibility to ensure safety and proper signaling to other vessels. Navigation lights are critical for visibility, enabling other boat operators to identify the type and orientation of a vessel, especially in dark or foggy conditions. This practice is essential for avoiding collisions and maintaining situational awareness on the water.

In nighttime conditions, it's vital that boats display their navigation lights to be identifiable to other vessels, as normal daytime visibility aids are not available. Similarly, during periods of reduced visibility, such as when fog, rain, or heavy weather obscures sight, navigation lights are crucial for alerting other mariners to the presence of your vessel.

While having lights on only during fog or on weekends may seem viable, these scenarios do not encompass all necessary instances for navigation light use. Furthermore, only using lights near the shore is inadequate, as accidents can occur at any distance from land. Proper adherence to the rules of navigation lighting is essential for safe boating practices.