Question 179Navigation General

The correct answer is C) A. A preferred-channel buoy will show a composite group-flashing (2 + 1) light characteristic. This is in accordance with the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, which specifies the light characteristics for various types of buoys. The composite group-flashing (2 + 1) pattern helps mariners identify the preferred channel or direction of travel. The other answer choices are incorrect because: B) is the light characteristic for a port-hand buoy, and D) is the light characteristic for a starboard-hand buoy. Neither of these correspond to the requirements for a preferred-channel buoy.