Observe and identify
Foundation level, about 2 min. IALA Region B.
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 starboard · Region B
- Preferred channel to port · Region B
- Port-hand mark · Region B
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Can and cylinder mean port; use Region B for the colour; the broad contrasting band identifies a channel division.
The sound answer
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.
Why the other options fall short
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). Here the observed cue identifies 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.
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 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.
Modified lateral marks · 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.