Question 196Navigation General

The correct answer is C) C. Under the IALA-A Buoyage System, a buoy indicating that the preferred channel is to the port when entering from seaward can have a C-shaped topmark. This is because a C-shaped topmark on a port-hand buoy signifies that the preferred navigable waters are to the left or port side of the buoy when approaching from the open sea. The other answer choices are incorrect because a group-flashing (2) light pattern is not associated with port-hand buoys, and B and D are not valid topmark shapes for this type of buoy under the IALA-A system.