Question 166Navigation General

The correct answer is B) Alter course to leave the buoy to port. This is because a red can-shaped buoy in the United States is a port-side marker, indicating that the proper action is to pass the buoy to the port (left) side of the vessel. This is in accordance with the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) buoyage system, which is the standard for maritime navigation worldwide. The other answer choices are incorrect because A) leaving the buoy to starboard would be the wrong side, C) passing well clear is unnecessary, and D) passing close aboard is not the recommended action for this type of buoy.