If the top stripe of an obstruction or junction buoy is red, which side should be passed on when leaving the harbor?

If the top stripe of an obstruction or junction buoy is red, which side should be passed on when leaving the harbor?

• A. Port
• B. Starboard
• C. Aft
• D. Bow

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how special marks guide you around hazards. An obstruction or junction buoy uses the color of the top stripe to tell you which side of the buoy is safe to pass as you leave the harbor. If the top stripe is red, you should pass on the port (left) side of the buoy. This red-top cue designates the left-hand side as the safe passage when moving away from the harbor. The opposite would be true if the top stripe were green, indicating you should pass on the starboard (right) side. This guidance is specific to these special marks and is different from the lateral “red right returning” rule used for standard buoys.

The key idea is how special marks guide you around hazards. An obstruction or junction buoy uses the color of the top stripe to tell you which side of the buoy is safe to pass as you leave the harbor. If the top stripe is red, you should pass on the port (left) side of the buoy. This red-top cue designates the left-hand side as the safe passage when moving away from the harbor. The opposite would be true if the top stripe were green, indicating you should pass on the starboard (right) side. This guidance is specific to these special marks and is different from the lateral “red right returning” rule used for standard buoys.