What light must a vessel under 7 meters long and not exceeding 7 knots display?

A vessel under 7 meters long and not exceeding 7 knots is required to display an all-around white light. This is in accordance with the Navigation Rules, specifically concerning vessels that are not required to meet the more complex lighting regulations applicable to larger vessels or those that operate at faster speeds.

The all-around white light serves as a simple but effective means for other boats to see the vessel from any direction, ensuring safety and visibility during periods of darkness or reduced visibility. For small vessels, especially those that may not have the ability to display more complicated lighting configurations, the all-around white light offers a straightforward solution to adhere to regulatory requirements while still being noticeable to others on the water.

The other options are not suitable for a vessel of this size and speed. For instance, a stern white light is typically used in combination with other lights to indicate the position of the vessel but does not provide complete visibility from all directions. Two masthead lights are required for larger vessels that have specific navigation responsibilities, reflecting a more complex arrangement that small vessels do not need to comply with. Red and green sidelights are used to indicate the port and starboard sides of a vessel but, again, this lighting arrangement is not applicable to vessels under 7 meters when operating