At what times should Navigation Lights be energized and de-energized in port?

The correct response is that navigation lights should be energized at sunrise and sunset. This timing is crucial because navigation lights are designed to enhance visibility of a vessel to prevent collisions during periods of low light. At sunrise and sunset, visibility can diminish, making it essential for vessels to signal their position, course, and intent to other boats.

Energizing the lights at these specific times ensures that the vessel remains compliant with maritime regulations, which typically require navigation lights to be on from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. This practice helps maintain safety for all vessels in the vicinity.

The other choices do not align with the established protocols for navigation light usage. For instance, noon and midnight do not account for changing light conditions throughout the year, while only activating lights during vessel operation overlooks the necessity of signaling when a vessel is moored in low-light scenarios. Additionally, the terms "daylight" and "dusk" aren’t as precise in determining when visibility changes significantly, which could lead to ambiguity in ensuring navigational safety.