If you observe a vessel with a flashing yellow light, what type of vessel is it likely to be?

A vessel displaying a flashing yellow light is typically indicative of a specific type of vessel in terms of its operational status or purpose. In the context of your question, vessels such as Jetcats or Rivercats, which are types of high-speed passenger ferries commonly found in urban waterways, often use a flashing yellow light to signal their presence to other vessels. This is crucial for safety, as these ferries operate at higher speeds and can have limited maneuverability compared to other boats.

The flashing yellow light helps inform other boaters and waterway users that the ferry is in transit, allowing them to take precautions to avoid collisions. Understanding the significance of the flashing yellow light is essential for navigating safely in busy waterways where such vessels might operate frequently.

In this scenario, other types of vessels, such as fishing boats or those with engine malfunctions, do not typically use a flashing yellow light for operational signaling, and sailboats racing usually utilize different signaling methods. Thus, recognizing the specific functions of the flashing yellow light clarifies why it is associated with Jetcats or Rivercats.