Which of the following describes 'Sternlight'?

The description of 'Sternlight' refers specifically to the light that is positioned at the stern or rear of a vessel. It is mandated by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and serves a crucial purpose in ensuring the safety of navigation by making the vessel visible to other vessels approaching from behind, or astern.

The placement and visibility of the sternlight are crucial for preventing collisions, particularly when vessels are navigating in close proximity to one another at night or in reduced visibility conditions. The requirement for such a light helps other vessels identify the size and direction of the vessel they are encountering, as they can determine if the vessel is being overtaken or if it is headed towards them. This enhances situational awareness and contributes to safe navigation practices.

In contrast, a light at the front of the vessel is typically referred to as a 'headlight' or 'forelight', which does not apply to the definition of 'sternlight'. A light showing all-round visibility pertains to different navigation lights that are visible from all angles, such as those found on some types of vessels, which do not align with the specific definition of 'sternlight'. Lastly, while vessels over 50 meters in length have additional lighting requirements