Using navigational lights is essential for improving visibility while operating a boat at night. These lights are specifically designed to ensure that you can be seen by other vessels and to help you navigate safely through dark waters. Navigational lights typically include a combination of red and green lights on the bow, a white light at the stern, and sometimes other lights depending on the size and type of the vessel. By following the rules regarding navigational lighting, boaters can communicate their position and direction to others around them, significantly enhancing safety on the water during nighttime operations.
High-beam headlights are not suitable for use on water as they can cause glare, impairing visibility for others. Keeping all lights off would create an unsafe situation, making it difficult for other boaters to see you and for you to see any obstacles. Relying solely on moonlight can be risky since its availability and intensity can vary greatly, making it unpredictable for navigation. Thus, using navigational lights is the most effective and safest practice for visibility at night.