What is required for all vessels operating between sunset and sunrise?

Vessels operating between sunset and sunrise are required to have night signals to ensure safe navigation and visibility in the dark. These signals typically include navigation lights that comply with regulations, such as stern lights and sidelights, to make the vessel visible to other boats and indicate its direction and status. Having proper night signals is crucial as it helps to prevent collisions and ensures that vessels can be seen by others during nighttime operation.

While safety lights, life jackets, and visual distress signals are important for boating safety, they do not specifically address the requirements for visibility and navigation during night hours. Safety lights may be more general and could refer to any lights for visibility, but without the specific regulations for nighttime operation, they wouldn't fulfill the same role. Life jackets are necessary for the safety of individuals on board but do not contribute to the vessel's visibility. Visual distress signals are essential for indicating emergencies, but they are not a requirement for everyday operation during nighttime. Thus, the necessity for night signals is clear in ensuring the safety and compliance of vessels on the water after dark.