What colors are the sidelights on a vessel?

Sidelights on a vessel are specifically colored red and green to indicate the direction the vessel is facing to other boats. The red light is placed on the port (left) side of the vessel, while the green light is on the starboard (right) side. This color scheme is critical for navigation at night or in low visibility conditions, helping to prevent collisions by allowing other operators to quickly ascertain the orientation of the vessel. The red light signals that the vessel is facing this direction and a potential give-way situation exists. Therefore, understanding the colors of sidelights is essential for safe boating practices.