Question 322Navigation General

The correct answer is D) safe water mark. In the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, a red and white vertically-striped buoy is used to indicate a safe water mark. Safe water marks are used to indicate that there is navigable water all around the buoy, and that it is safe for vessels to pass on either side. This type of buoy helps mariners identify safe passage areas. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) special marks are not primarily used for navigation, B) cardinal marks have different color patterns, and C) isolated danger marks indicate hazards that must be passed on one side only.