What color and pattern identifies a Mooring buoy?

• A. Fixed marker, triangular or square
• B. Red/green stripes, indicates main channel
• C. Black/red bands, two black balls topmark
• D. White with blue horizontal band

Answer: (D)

Mooring buoys are identified by their distinctive appearance that signals a place to tie up rather than a channel or danger. A white buoy with a blue horizontal band is the standard mark for a mooring buoy, making it stand out against the water and clearly different from other types of aids to navigation. The white base provides high visibility, and the blue band specifically denotes a mooring location. Other marks use different color patterns and shapes to indicate fixed markers, main-channel boundaries, or isolated dangers, so they don’t serve the same purpose as a mooring buoy. This exact color and pattern lets paddlers recognize where boats are anchored or may tie up without confusion.