Observe and identify
Developing level, about 2 min. IALA Region B.
The situation
A navigation light lies ahead. Start playback and watch at least one complete cycle. Its period is an illustrative charted example; identify the combination of colour and rhythm.
Which mark matches the light you observe?
- Preferred channel to port · Region B
- Preferred channel to starboard · Region B
- Port-hand mark · Region B
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Cone pointing up means starboard; use Region B for the colour; the broad contrasting band identifies a channel division.
The sound answer
Preferred channel to port · Region B
A red starboard-hand form with a broad green band marks a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. The light character is composite group flashing (2+1).
Why the other options fall short
Preferred channel to starboard · Region B
A green port-hand form with a broad red band marks a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to port for the preferred branch to starboard. Identify the dominant colour and shape together. Here the observed cue identifies preferred channel to port · region b. A red starboard-hand form with a broad green band marks a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. The light character is composite group flashing (2+1).
Port-hand mark · Region B
Green can-shaped lateral mark. Following the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to port. Region B reverses the lateral colours while retaining the port-hand can shape. Here the observed cue identifies preferred channel to port · region b. A red starboard-hand form with a broad green band marks a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. The light character is composite group flashing (2+1).
Modified lateral marks · Region B
A red starboard-hand form with a broad green band marks a junction. Following buoyage, leave it to starboard for the preferred branch to port. The light character is composite group flashing (2+1).