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?
- Preferred channel to port · Region A
- Preferred channel to starboard · Region A
- Port-hand mark · Region A
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Cone pointing up means starboard; use Region A for the colour; the broad contrasting band identifies a channel division.
The sound answer
Preferred channel to port · Region A
A green starboard-hand form with a broad red band identifies a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. Its light uses composite group flashing (2+1).
Why the other options fall short
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 preferred channel to port · region a. A green starboard-hand form with a broad red band identifies a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. Its light uses composite group flashing (2+1).
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. Here the observed cue identifies preferred channel to port · region a. A green starboard-hand form with a broad red band identifies a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. Its light uses composite group flashing (2+1).
Modified lateral marks · Region A
A green starboard-hand form with a broad red band identifies a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. Its light uses composite group flashing (2+1).