Question 78Navigation General

The correct answer is D) composite group-flashing light. A lighted preferred-channel buoy, also known as a "fairway buoy," is typically marked with a composite group-flashing light. This light pattern, consisting of a group of flashes followed by a long pause, helps mariners identify the preferred or recommended channel to follow when navigating. The other answer choices are incorrect because a fixed red light (A), Morse code (B), or a white light (C) are not the standard light characteristics for a preferred-channel buoy according to U.S. Coast Guard regulations.