Question 305Navigation General

The correct answer is D) increase with the even numbers to starboard. This is correct because the United States Aids to Navigation System, which includes channel buoys, follows the lateral system where odd-numbered buoys are to be kept to the port (left) side and even-numbered buoys are to be kept to the starboard (right) side when entering a channel from seaward. The numbers on the buoys increase in the direction of the safest navigable water, which is to starboard when entering from seaward. The other options are incorrect because: A) the buoy numbers are not the same as their Light List number, B) the buoy numbers are not required to be 6 inches tall with retro-reflective material, and C) the numbers decrease to port, which is the opposite of the lateral system.