What is the term for the buoy that marks the main channel with red and green stripes?

• A. Daybeacon definition
• B. Safe water mark
• C. Mooring buoy color
• D. Preferred channel buoy

Answer: (D)

The key idea is markers that guide you to the main or preferred route through a harbor or channel. A preferred channel buoy is a lateral aid used when there are multiple possible ways through a waterway, signaling which channel should be used—the main, more navigable path. The red and green stripes on this buoy visually show the sides of the channel and indicate the designated route to follow, helping mariners stay in the safer, deeper, or more protected water. By contrast, a daybeacon is a fixed landmark, a safe water mark uses red and white vertical stripes to indicate safe water all around, and mooring buoys are typically yellow and used for tying up. So the term that matches a buoy marking the main channel with red and green stripes is the preferred channel buoy.