How can you tell if a boat is approaching your starboard side?

A boat that is approaching your starboard side will display a green navigation light. In accordance with maritime navigation rules, a vessel approaching from the right (starboard) will show a green light when viewed from the direction of its approach. This is because different colors of navigation lights are used to indicate a vessel's orientation and navigation direction. The green light is always on the starboard side of the boat, while the red light is on the port side, helping to identify the relative positions of vessels at night or in low visibility conditions.

Understanding this concept is crucial for safe navigation, as it helps boat operators determine right-of-way situations and avoid potential collisions. The sound signals or white navigation lights correspond to different contexts and scenarios that do not specifically indicate the approaching side of another boat but rather different navigation situations or vessel types.