- 1). Memorize the Rules of the Road descriptions of light arrangements for all kinds of vessels, including large ships, towing vessels and barges, sailing vessels, dredges and fishing vessels. Visualize each vessel as it would appear underway in the dark.
- 2). Practice your perceptions using animated displays from the Internet. Review the images again and again, until you are able to quickly identify each vessel correctly, know its size, and judge its course, bearing and speed. Rehearse what you would do in each situation to avoid a collision.
- 3). Turn off all working lights on your vessel. Cockpit lights, spreader lights, searchlights and fishing lights all reduce the sensitivity of your night vision. Even a flashlight can interfere with your ability to see small navigation lights. Use red lenses on your compass light, radar, navigation station and flashlight to protect your night vision.
- 4). Look carefully in all directions, paying special attention to the seaway ahead. Note the bearing of lighthouses, buoys and markers, then locate any white, red or green running lights displayed by a vessel under way. Use your memorized skills to identify the vessel and calculate its size, speed, course and relative bearing. Employ memory aids, such as: "Red over White -- Fishing at Night."
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