Question 23 AB01 - Able Seafarer

The Correct Answer is A **Explanation for Option A (Correct Answer):** The question pertains to the **IALA Region B** (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities), which governs navigation aids in the United States and the Americas. Under the U.S. Lateral System (IALA B): 1. **"Red Right Returning":** When a vessel is *returning* from the sea, or *inbound* to a U.S. port, red aids mark the starboard (right) side of the channel, and green aids mark the port (left) side. 2. **"When Outbound":** When a vessel is *outbound* (leaving the port and heading to sea), the rules are reversed relative to the vessel's position. The red aids, which marked the starboard side for inbound traffic, are now on the vessel's *port* (left) side. 3. **Red Buoy Characteristics:** Red lateral buoys are numbered with even numbers, and they display a **red light** (often flashing or quick flashing). Therefore, when outbound from a U.S. port, a buoy displaying a flashing red light indicates the **port side of the channel** (the left side of the channel relative to the vessel's direction of travel). **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **B) A wreck to be left on the vessel's starboard side:** Wrecks are typically marked by specialized buoys, often colored yellow or blue, and sometimes with specific lights (e.g., blue or yellow lights, depending on local rules). Lateral buoys (red/green) do not primarily indicate wrecks. * **C) A sharp turn in the channel to the right:** While buoys mark the channel edges and thus define turns, a simple flashing red light does not specifically denote a *sharp* turn. Red lights mark the side of the channel; the presence of a turn is inferred by the channel geometry, not the light color/phase itself. * **D) A junction with the preferred channel to the left:** Junctions or preferred channels are indicated by special buoys called "Preferred Channel" or "Junction" buoys. These buoys are typically banded (red and green) and display composite flashing lights. A simple red flashing light indicates a lateral channel marker, not a junction.