A powerboat is operating at night. Which color light must show on the starboard (right) side of this boat?

In marine navigation, boats are required to display specific colored lights to indicate their position and direction of travel. A powerboat operating at night must exhibit a green light on the starboard (right) side. This color coding is part of the navigational rules that help other vessels to determine the course and behavior of a boat during nighttime or low visibility conditions.

The green light is specifically designated for the starboard side to signal to other vessels that the powerboat is heading in a certain direction. Observers can ascertain that they are on the left (port side) of the boat if they see the red light, which is used on the port side. The contrasting colors of red and green help to prevent collisions on the water by allowing other boat operators to quickly identify the relative position and movement of the vessels in their vicinity.

In summary, the presence of a green light on the starboard side is an important safety and navigational feature that complies with maritime regulations, ensuring safe passage and effective communication between vessels at night.