Question 53 FCP01 - First Class Pilot

The Correct Answer is A. **Explanation for Option A (Correct):** A buoy displaying a composite group flashing light, specifically $\text{Fl}(2+1)$, is characteristic of a **Preferred Channel Junction Mark** in the IALA Maritime Buoyage System (both Regions A and B). * **Color:** The buoy is red with a green band (or vice versa). Since the light displayed is **red**, it indicates that the **primary color** of the buoy is red, with a green band. * **Significance:** When entering from seaward (following the conventional direction of buoyage), a **red-body/green-band** junction mark indicates that the **main channel continues along the red side**, but a secondary (preferred) channel branches off along the green side. * **Lateral Significance:** The preferred channel is designated by the **color of the band**. Since the main body is red (left side when inbound) and the band is green, the preferred channel branches off to the **starboard side** (green side). * **The Question's Context:** However, the key feature of a red light in this context is what the **red side** represents when encountered inbound. When entering from seaward: * If the main body is **red** (and the light is red), it signals the junction. * The composite flashing $(2+1)$ pattern warns of the split. * To continue in the primary channel (following the red lateral mark convention), the junction buoy must be kept on the **port side** (left). * If the mariner chooses the preferred channel (green band), they must turn to the starboard side (right). * Therefore, the red light on the junction mark indicates the preferred channel diverges to the **left side** of the buoy (relative to the buoy's main red significance), which translates to the preferred channel being available to the **left** of the primary path, or equivalently, the preferred channel being the one that branches off to the starboard (right). In IALA terminology, a red-lighted junction mark means the preferred channel is to port (or equivalently, the primary channel continues to starboard). * **Revisiting the Standard Interpretation (Red Light, Red Body):** * **Junction Mark (IALA B):** Red body, green band, Red $\text{Fl}(2+1)$. * **Meaning (Inbound):** This mark is kept to port if following the main channel. The preferred channel (the green band path) is to starboard. * **If the question assumes the standard red lateral context:** A red flashing light indicates the port side of the channel when inbound. The composite group $\text{Fl}(2+1)$ denotes the split. Therefore, the mark is encountered at a junction, and the primary channel continues, but a preferred channel breaks off. If the preferred channel breaks off to the right (starboard), you must keep the red junction mark to your port (left). This means the preferred channel is available to the left side of the primary path you are currently on. **Therefore, it indicates a junction with the preferred channel to the left (meaning the path you take to keep the buoy on your right side).** **Explanation for Incorrect Options:** **B) A sharp turn in the preferred channel to the right:** While flashing characteristics can sometimes indicate turns, the $\text{Fl}(2+1)$ composite group is specifically reserved for **junction marks**, not merely directional changes within a single established channel. **C) The starboard side of the secondary channel:** This is incorrect. The starboard side of a channel (when inbound) is marked by a green light (IALA B) or green can buoy. A $\text{Fl}(2+1)$ mark denotes a split or junction, not a continuous channel side boundary. **D) A wreck to be left on the vessel's port side:** This describes an IALA **Cardinal Mark** (specifically a South or West Cardinal mark) or a **Safe Water Mark** if the wreck is large. Wreck marks (New Danger Marks) usually display a blue and yellow vertical stripe pattern with an alternating blue and yellow light. They do not use the $\text{Fl}(2+1)$ characteristic.