Question 111Navigation General

You are correct, the answer is D) shoals or nearby land. The red sectors of navigation lights indicate the presence of shoals, rocks, or other hazards to navigation that mariners should avoid. The red sectors warn mariners of areas with shallow water or proximity to land that could pose a risk to their vessel. This is in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), which provide the standard for navigation light configurations. The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose of red navigation light sectors. Floating debris, sunken vessels, and heavily trafficked areas do not necessarily warrant red navigational lights to warn mariners.