🔍 Key Concepts

• IALA buoyage system lateral preferred channel marks (red/green horizontal bands) • Difference between preferred channel to starboard vs preferred channel to port marks • Association of specific light rhythms with special mark types (e.g., composite group flashing vs quick vs interrupted quick)

💭 Think About

• First, identify what type of buoy is marked by red and green horizontal bands and what its purpose is in the channel system. • Next, recall which buoy type uses a composite group flashing light (for example, Fl(2+1)), and whether that is linked to preferred channel marks or some other mark. • Then, compare how quick flashing and interrupted quick flashing lights are typically used in the buoyage system and whether they apply to lateral or cardinal marks.

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm from your buoyage notes which mark has red and green horizontal bands and what it indicates about the preferred channel. • Verify which exact light characteristic (e.g., Fl(2+1), Q, IQ, Morse(A)) is specified for that preferred channel mark in the IALA system. • Make sure you are not confusing the light used on cardinal marks or isolated danger marks with the light used on preferred channel (bifurcation) marks.