🔍 Key Concepts

• IALA buoyage system and what a preferred channel bifurcation buoy looks like • How colors, shapes, numbers, and light characteristics are used on lateral buoys • Difference between what indicates side of channel versus preferred channel at a fork

💭 Think About

• For each answer choice, ask yourself: does this feature actually tell me which branch of the channel is preferred when the channel splits? • Think about how an examiner would expect you to recognize a preferred channel buoy on a chart or in the Rules—what are the distinctive features you’d look for? • Consider which feature (color, shape, number, band) is used more generally for left/right sides of a channel, not specifically for a bifurcation.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify how a bifurcation (preferred channel) buoy is drawn and labeled on a nautical chart legend • Confirm which aspects (light color, top band color, shape, numbering) change when the preferred side switches • Make sure you can distinguish between indications of port/starboard side of a channel and indication of which fork is preferred