What action must a vessel engaged in fishing take if its fishing gear is to the side?

When a vessel is engaged in fishing and has its fishing gear to the side, it is essential for that vessel to signal its presence effectively to avoid collisions. By directing a cone of light toward the gear, the vessel makes it visible to other vessels navigating in the area, thereby communicating that it is working and that there are potential hazards nearby. This action enhances overall safety on the water, as it warns others to exercise caution in the vicinity of the fishing gear.

The other choices do not adequately address the need to signal the presence of fishing gear. Reducing speed, while it might be a prudent maneuver in some situations, does not inform other vessels about the fishing activity taking place. Turning away from the gear could potentially create confusion if other vessels are not aware of its location. Displaying a white flag, while it may indicate certain statuses or conditions in specific contexts, is not a standard signal to indicate active fishing gear and may not effectively alert others to the presence of gear in the water. Thus, directing a cone of light toward the fishing gear is the correct and most effective action to ensure safety and navigation awareness.