Coast Guard Exams
Question 191Navigation General70% to pass

You are heading out to sea in a buoyed channel and see a quick flashing green light on a buoy ahead of you. In U.S. waters, you should leave the buoy _______________.

AI Explanation
The correct answer is D) to starboard. In U.S. waters, a quick flashing green light on a buoy indicates a port-hand buoy, which means the vessel should leave the buoy to its starboard (right) side when traveling in the channel. This is in accordance with the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, which establishes the standard that port-hand buoys should be passed on the starboard side. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) leaving the buoy 50 yards off either side does not follow the established rules, C) leaving the buoy well clear on either side is too vague and does not specify the correct side, and B) leaving the buoy to port would be the opposite of the proper procedure.

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