What is the best practice for a night approach to a small craft?

• A. Turn off all lights to conserve power and rely on moonlight.
• B. Ensure navigation lights are on, use radar/chart as available, maintain safe speed, and keep watch.
• C. Increase speed to reach destination faster without regard to conditions.
• D. Rely on memory rather than charts.

Answer: (B)

Night approaches require visibility, preparation, and steady system use. Keeping navigation lights on makes your vessel visible to others and lets other mariners judge your position and heading, which is crucial when visibility is limited. If radar or charts are available, using them helps you detect hazards, shallow areas, and other traffic that may not be easy to spot by eye in the dark. Maintaining a safe speed appropriate for the conditions gives you the time needed to react to unexpected objects or vessels and to maneuver safely, while still making progress toward your destination. Keeping a continuous watch is essential so that someone is always looking out for traffic, buoys, or changes in the waterway.

Turn off lights or rely on moonlight, speed up without regard to conditions, or depend on memory instead of charts all undermine safety. Moonlight can be deceptive, rushing increases the risk of collision or grounding, and charts and up-to-date navigation information reduce uncertainty and help you steer a clear, informed path. Combining proper lighting, instrument aids, prudent speed, and a vigilant lookout embodies the best practice for a night approach.