Aids to Navigation
What does a buoy with red and white vertical stripes mark?
Answer
Safe water, such as a mid-channel or fairway; you may pass on either side
A red-and-white vertically striped buoy is a safe-water mark. It shows open, navigable water — often mid-channel or a fairway entrance — and can be passed safely on either side.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR Part 62, U.S. Aids to Navigation System, § 62.27, Safe water marks — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-62.27
Not the answer
- A restricted military zone
- A no-wake zone
- An obstruction you cannot pass
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test