Question 51 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is B. ### Explanation for why Option B is correct: The buoy symbol printed on a nautical chart (paper or electronic) is a two-dimensional, standardized graphic representation used to indicate the location and characteristics of an actual navigational aid (like a buoy). **This graphic symbol is always drawn perfectly upright, regardless of the physical condition or movement of the actual buoy in the water.** The orientation or "lean" of the symbol on the chart has **no navigational significance** and does not convey information about the buoy's type, safety zone, or physical posture (which might be leaning due to current, wind, or being off-station). Therefore, a leaning buoy symbol indicates nothing special for navigational purposes. ### Why the other options are incorrect: * **A) You should stay to the north or east of the buoy:** The required side to pass a buoy (if any) is determined by its color, shape, light characteristics, and location within a channel or relative to a hazard, not by the appearance or orientation of its chart symbol. Furthermore, the chart symbol is standardized and should not be interpreted as indicating a safe passing side based on its graphic 'lean.' * **C) The buoy is a major lighted buoy:** The type of buoy (e.g., major lighted buoy, minor spar buoy) is indicated by specific symbols, abbreviations (like "L" for lighted), and color codes printed adjacent to or within the symbol on the chart. The supposed "lean" of the graphic symbol has no bearing on whether the buoy is lighted or considered "major." * **D) You should stay to the west or south of the buoy:** Similar to Option A, the safe passing side is determined by the standardized meaning of the navigational mark in context (e.g., red buoys on the right side when entering port in U.S. waters), not by the accidental orientation or graphic appearance of its symbol on the chart. The orientation of the chart symbol is fixed and carries no such guidance.