I have a white light at the rear of the boat and a red and green light in the front which ones are on if I am at anchor which ones are on if I am moving
red and green are nav lights. The white light at the back is the anchor light. HOWEVER, most states require the anchor light to be on while you are moving.
Power driven boats less than 20 meters (40 feet) are required to have, at a minimum, red and greed side lights and one all around white light anytime when underway at night or in conditions of reduced visibility. Anchored vessels less than 50 meters (162.5 feet) are required to display one all around white light where it can best be scene at night or in conditions of reduced visibility. The navigation lights are the red and green side lights and a white stern light. Power vessels are required to show a white mast head light forward. Small power vessel less than 40 feet in lenght use an all around white light in lieu of the stern light and mast head light. This all around light also doubles as the anchor light on a small vessel.
The red, green white lights let other traffic know what direction you are moving in when under way which side to pass on. The white stern light is used when at anchor. As others mentioned there may be switch settings to allow you to select lighting display. Some smaller boats have the white light on a telescoping pole which allows it to be visible 360 degrees. I know some will disagree, but when under sail, motoring, or anchored at night I used to leave all my lights on ,including the white mast light. Considering the idiots on the water ,I would rather be seen than sorry. The best authority will be the coast guard auxiliary. Best regards
the okorder /.. do some homework before you go out at night, it can be dangerous if you show the wrong lights around commercial traffic! had a tug/tow run over an anchored sailboat a few years back. safe boating is no accident!
