Observe and identify
Foundation level, about 2 min. IALA Region A.
The situation
A navigation mark lies ahead. Inspect its body colour, paint pattern and topmark with the binoculars. Interpret it using the stated buoyage region.
Which mark is this, and what does it tell you?
- Port-hand mark · Region A
- Starboard-hand mark · Region A
- Preferred channel to starboard · Region A
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Can and cylinder mean port; use Region A for the colour.
The sound answer
Port-hand mark · Region A
Red can-shaped lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to port. In the opposite direction, leave it to starboard. Read the charted buoyage direction rather than assuming every passage is inward.
Why the other options fall short
Starboard-hand mark · Region A
Green conical lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to starboard; travelling against that direction reverses the side of your vessel on which you leave it. Here the observed cue identifies port-hand mark · region a. Red can-shaped lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to port. In the opposite direction, leave it to starboard. Read the charted buoyage direction rather than assuming every passage is inward.
Preferred channel to starboard · Region A
A red port-hand form with a broad green band identifies a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to port for the preferred branch to starboard. The chart still determines whether either branch suits your vessel. Here the observed cue identifies port-hand mark · region a. Red can-shaped lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to port. In the opposite direction, leave it to starboard. Read the charted buoyage direction rather than assuming every passage is inward.
Lateral marks · Region A
Red can-shaped lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to port. In the opposite direction, leave it to starboard. Read the charted buoyage direction rather than assuming every passage is inward.