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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/boat-preferred-channel-mark

A buoy has red and green horizontal bands. What does the color of its top band tell you?

Which channel is preferred at a fork or junction.

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  1. The water depth in feet
  2. Which channel is preferred ✔
  3. Whether it's a no-wake zone

Why: Preferred channel marks sit where channels split. Red and green horizontal bands show the preferred channel. In the conventional direction of buoyage, a green-topped mark is a port-hand mark for that channel.

Huh, didn't know that: They can also mark a wreck or obstruction you may pass on either side, after checking a chart.

The dad joke
Why did the buoy wear stripes? It wanted to show its preferred side.
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References

Answer: Which channel is preferred. Preferred channel marks sit where channels split. Red and green horizontal bands show the preferred channel. In the conventional direction of buoyage, a green-topped mark is a port-hand mark for that channel.

  1. 33 CFR Part 62, U.S. Aids to Navigation System (62.25) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/part-62
    Preferred channel marks have red and green horizontal bands with the color of the topmost band indicating the preferred channel.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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