Question 202Navigation General

The correct answer is B) A spherical topmark. A lighted safe water mark is fitted with a spherical topmark to aid in its identification. This is in accordance with the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) Maritime Buoyage System, which is the standard for maritime buoys and markers used globally, including in the United States. The spherical topmark helps visually distinguish a safe water mark from other types of navigational markers. The other options are incorrect because: A) a red and white octagon is the shape of a regulatory marker, not a safe water mark; C) red and white retro-reflective material is used for visibility but not as a distinguishing topmark; and D) a sequential number is not a physical topmark feature of a safe water mark.