In the absence of proper lights and shapes, how are anchored vessels perceived by other mariners?

Anchored vessels without proper lights and shapes can create confusion for other mariners who rely on visual signals to assess their surroundings and the status of nearby vessels. When a vessel is at anchor, it has specific requirements for displaying lights and shapes to signal its presence and status clearly. Without these indicators, the anchored vessel may not be identifiable, leading to potential safety concerns.

Other mariners might perceive an unlit or unmarked anchored vessel as a hazard since they might not realize it is secured and stationary. This lack of clarity can lead to situations where other vessels might unintentionally drift too close to the anchor, create risks of collisions, or fail to take appropriate navigational actions to avoid the grounded vessel. Thus, the absence of proper signaling transforms the anchored vessel into a potential danger on the water, making the first choice the most fitting answer.