Where can a sternlight be seen from?

The correct answer is that a sternlight can only be seen from behind or nearly behind the vessel. A sternlight is a white navigational light located at the stern (the back) of a boat. Its primary purpose is to indicate the presence and direction of the vessel to others on the water, particularly from the rear.

This light is specifically designed to be visible from the back and slightly off to the sides, allowing vessels approaching from behind to determine the boat's orientation and heading. Other vessels, particularly those approaching from the front or sides, would not reliably see the sternlight, as it is intentionally positioned to enhance visibility for following vessels rather than those coming head-on or from the flank.