Coast Guard Exams
Question 118Navigation General70% to pass

When entering from seaward, a buoy displaying a single-flashing red light indicates _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) the starboard side of the channel. Buoys displaying a single-flashing red light indicate the starboard (right) side of the navigable channel when entering from seaward (coming from the open ocean). This is in accordance with the United States Aids to Navigation System, which is based on the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) System A. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) a sharp turn in the channel to the right would be indicated by a different type of buoy, B) a junction with the preferred channel to the left would be indicated by a different light characteristic, and C) a wreck to be left on the vessel's port side would be indicated by a different color and light characteristic.

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