When must a boat's navigation lights be displayed?

The correct answer is that a boat's navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise or during periods of reduced visibility. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of all vessels on the water. Navigation lights help indicate the position, direction, and type of vessel, which is essential for avoiding collisions, particularly in low-light situations or when visibility is compromised due to weather conditions such as fog or rain.

Displaying navigation lights only during the day or just when docking would not provide adequate safety measures for nighttime travel or in poor visibility conditions. Additionally, having lights on whenever passengers are on board does not take into account the importance of visibility during navigation times specifically mandated by maritime rules. Therefore, understanding the regulatory requirements for navigation lights helps enhance safety for all boaters on the water.