Question 288Navigation General

The correct answer is C) the color of their top band. Preferred channel buoys are distinguished by the color of their top band, which indicates the preferred channel to transit. Buoys with red and white vertical stripes on the top band mark the preferred (safer) channel, and the mariner should pass the buoy on the side corresponding to the color of the top band. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect how preferred channel buoys are identified and used for navigation.