Which statement is true about red buoys under the Inland Rules?
A· They should be passed on your port side when proceeding upstream
B· Boats can pass on either side because they are in deep water
C· They should be passed on your starboard side when going upstream
D· Boats should pass the buoy on the buoy’s starboard side
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A: They should be passed on your port side when proceeding upstream.
Explanation
The Inland Navigation Rules, also known as the “Inland Rules,” provide guidelines for vessel operation on navigable waters in the United States. One of the key concepts is the lateral system of navigation, which uses colored buoys to indicate navigable channels and the safe passage for vessels.
In this system, red buoys are used to mark the right side of the navigable channel when proceeding upstream. The general rule of thumb for mariners is to remember the phrase “Red Right Returning,” which helps boaters remember that red markers should be kept on the right (starboard side) when returning from sea or moving upstream.
However, when navigating upstream (i.e., against the current), the proper action is to pass red buoys on the port side (the left side of the vessel when facing forward). This means that when a vessel is heading upstream and encounters a red buoy, it should keep that buoy to its left.
Conversely, if a vessel is traveling downstream (with the current), it would pass the red buoy on its starboard side (the right side when facing forward). Therefore, the statement in option A is correct, as it accurately reflects the procedure to follow when proceeding upstream under the Inland Rules.
Options B, C, and D do not accurately represent the navigation rules regarding red buoys. Option B is incorrect because it implies that passing red buoys can be done on either side, which contradicts the defined rules. Option C incorrectly states that red buoys should be passed on the starboard side when going upstream, and option D incorrectly suggests that boats should pass the buoy on the buoy’s starboard side, which is misleading regarding the upstream navigation rule.
In summary, understanding the rules of buoy navigation is essential for safe boating practices, particularly in maintaining correct passage alongside red buoys while traveling upstream.