In congested waters, which lights should a lookout prioritize reporting?

In congested waters, the lookout should prioritize reporting lights that may pose a collision risk because they are critical for maintaining safety at sea. The primary goal of maintaining a lookout is to detect and assess potential hazards, which are often indicated by navigation lights of other vessels. By concentrating on lights that might signal an imminent collision, the lookout can provide timely information to the officer on watch, allowing for informed decisions to be made regarding course adjustments or other defensive measures.

Giving precedence to lights associated with potential collision risks helps in preventing accidents in busy maritime areas where many vessels may be operating in close proximity to one another. Recognizing the significance of these indicators is fundamental in ensuring navigational safety and compliance with the COLREGs, which govern the conduct of vessels to avoid collisions at sea.