RulesAtSea

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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?

  1. Preferred channel to starboard · Region B
  2. Preferred channel to port · Region B
  3. 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.

IALA Recommendation R1001 · Maritime Buoyage System