What can a searchlight be directed at night to indicate?

A searchlight used at night primarily serves to indicate the presence of a vessel or an object. When a searchlight is directed toward another boat, shoreline, or navigational obstacle, it can effectively signal to other vessels that something is nearby, thus enhancing safety during nighttime navigation. This is essential for avoiding collisions and ensuring that the other party is aware of your location.

In nighttime operations, the presence of a light can help in communication between vessels, especially in dark conditions where visibility is limited. While searchlights can also suggest direction by illuminating a path or bearing, their primary function is to make an entity known. This distinction is important in maritime safety practices, where signaling presence can prevent misunderstandings during navigation.

The other options, while related to navigation and signaling, do not capture the primary use of a searchlight. Direction and speed are more effectively communicated through other navigational aids or methods. An anchor point, while crucial for nautical operations, is not a function of a searchlight's primary purpose. Thus, indicating presence is the most accurate answer.