<P> A navigation light, also known as a running or position light, is a source of illumination on a vessel, aircraft or spacecraft . Navigation lights give information on a craft's position, heading, and status . Their placement is mandated by international conventions or civil authorities . Navigation lights are not intended to provide illumination for the craft making the passage, only for other craft to be aware of it . </P> <P> In 1838 the United States passed an act requiring steamboats running between sunset and sunrise to carry one or more signal lights; color, visibility and location were not specified . In 1848 the United Kingdom passed regulations that required steam vessels to display red and green sidelights as well as a white masthead light . In 1849 the U.S. Congress extended the light requirements to sailing vessels . In 1889 the United States convened the first International Maritime Conference to consider regulations for preventing collisions . The resulting Washington Conference Rules were adopted by the U.S in 1890 and became effective internationally in 1897 . Within these rules was the requirement for steamships to carry a second mast head light . The international 1948 Safety of Life at Sea Conference recommended a mandatory second masthead light solely for power driven vessels over 150 feet in length and a fixed sternlight for almost all vessels . The regulations have changed little since then . </P> <P> The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea established in 1972 stipulates the requirements for the navigation lights required on a vessel . </P>

Which side is the red light on a boat
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