What does it indicate when a vessel displays a red light?

Displaying a red light indicates that it is the port side of the vessel. In maritime navigation, the standard color coding for navigational lights shows that a red light is used on the left side of a boat when viewed from the stern. This practice helps to prevent collisions and allows for safe navigation, especially during nighttime or in poor visibility conditions. Knowing which side is the port side is crucial for understanding the vessel's direction and the navigation rules that apply to interactions with other vessels on the water. The distinction of lights is part of the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea), which ensure that all mariners can identify the relative position of vessels in order to avoid accidents.