Question 218Navigation General

70% to pass

You are sailing south on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) when you sight a green can buoy with a yellow square painted on it. Which of the following is TRUE?

A The buoy marks the end of the ICW in that area.
B You should pass the buoy close aboard on either side.
C You should leave the buoy to port.
D The yellow square is retro-reflective material used to assist in sighting the buoy at night.
AI Explanation

The correct answer is C) You should leave the buoy to port. The reason this is correct is that a green can buoy with a yellow square marking indicates a preferred channel, where vessels should pass to the green (port) side of the buoy. This is in accordance with the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, which is the standard for navigational markers in U.S. waters. The other answer choices are incorrect: A) is wrong because the buoy does not mark the end of the ICW, B) is wrong because you should not pass close aboard on either side, and D) is correct but does not fully address the meaning of the buoy's color and shape.

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Official Resources
USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 33 CFR Navigation Rules USCG National Maritime Center
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