🔍 Key Concepts

• IALA-B lateral buoyage system used in U.S. waters (including the Gulf Coast) • Meaning of a red lighted buoy when traveling in the conventional direction of buoyage from seaward • Difference between passing close aboard vs giving a wider berth to a buoy

💭 Think About

• In the IALA-B system, when you are coming from seaward, on which side should you keep red buoys relative to your vessel? • If you are already steaming west along the coast, what is the most likely ‘direction of buoyage’ relative to your track? Are you effectively going toward or away from seaward? • Why might it sometimes be safer or recommended not to pass too close to a buoy (consider current, swing radius, and position error)?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm that the Gulf Coast uses the IALA-B system ("red right returning"). • Determine whether, on your present course, you are effectively returning (from sea to harbor) or departing (from harbor to sea) in terms of the buoyage system. • Decide whether the wording of the choice suggests passing close vs well clear of the buoy, and which is the better seamanship practice.