Boating License Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A red buoy typically signifies that it is a navigation marker for vessels. In general navigational rules, red buoys are part of the "IALA System" (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities), which helps boaters identify safe channels and waterways.

When returning from open water into a harbor or a channel, red buoys should be kept to the right side of the vessel. This convention is essential for ensuring safe passage and avoiding collisions, as it helps boaters adhere to the standardized navigation system. Keeping the red buoy on your right when returning means you are following the red-right-return rule, which is crucial for maintaining proper traffic flow in waterways.

Other responses, such as ignoring the buoy or approaching it closely, do not conform to safe boating practices and could result in hazardous situations. Keeping the buoy correctly in relation to your boat prevents potential accidents and ensures compliance with maritime navigation standards.