Coast Guard Exams
Question 307Navigation General70% to pass

Buoys are marked with reflective material to assist in their detection by searchlight. Which statement is TRUE?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is C. A preferred-channel buoy displays either red or green reflective material to agree with the top band of color. The U.S. Coast Guard's Aids to Navigation System specifies that preferred-channel buoys, which mark the preferred or main navigable channel, should have reflective material that matches the top band color of the buoy - red for a red-topped buoy, or green for a green-topped buoy. This helps boaters easily identify the channel at night or in low visibility conditions. The other options are incorrect because: A) Safe-water buoys have white reflective material, not red and white stripes; B) Reflective material is not always white, it matches the buoy's color; D) Special-purpose marks can display various colors of reflective material, not just red or green.

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