SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-head-on-both-sidelights

At night you see both the red and green sidelights of a powerboat dead ahead. What situation is this?

A head-on situation.

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  1. A crossing situation
  2. An overtaking situation
  3. A head-on situation ✔

Why: Rule 14 says the situation is head-on when you see the other powerboat ahead and can see both sidelights, or its masthead lights in a line. If you're unsure, treat it as head-on.

Huh, didn't know that: Rule 14 applies to two power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses.

The dad joke
Two powerboats meet head-on. Which one is polite? Both, they each go right.
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References

Answer: A head-on situation. Rule 14 says the situation is head-on when you see the other powerboat ahead and can see both sidelights, or its masthead lights in a line. If you're unsure, treat it as head-on.

  1. 33 CFR 83.14, Head-on situation (Rule 14) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-83.14
    she could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line and/or both sidelights
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Boating & WaterTwo powerboats are meeting head-on. What should each one do?Boating & WaterAt night, a rowboat with no navigation lights must at least have what ready?Boating & WaterA powerboat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) may show which lights instead of the full set?

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