What does one white light signify?

One white light signifies a vessel that is at anchor. This is an important characteristic used in maritime navigation to convey the position and status of vessels in a nighttime environment. When observing a single white light, mariners understand that the vessel is stationary and not under sail or maneuvering, which helps in avoiding collisions and ensuring safe passage.

The single white light helps distinguish the vessel from others that may be under way, thereby providing essential information about its status to other vessels in the area. In coastal navigation, recognizing these signals is crucial for safety, particularly in busy or constrained waters. Recognizing a vessel at anchor allows surrounding vessels to make informed decisions regarding their course, speed, and proximity to that anchored vessel, contributing to overall navigational safety.