What kind of buoy would you expect to see in a preferred channel?

A horizontally-banded buoy is typically used to indicate the preferred channel for navigation. These buoys are often painted with a specific color pattern that helps mariners quickly identify navigation routes and the direction they should follow. The alternating colors, typically black and white, signify the safe passage within a channel, guiding vessels away from hazards and towards deeper water.

The horizontally-banded style is linked to the lateral system of buoyage, where different colors and shapes denote navigational information crucial for safe travel. Understanding this visual cue allows boaters to make informed decisions while navigating through channels.

For example, can buoys, while they serve as markers for channel boundaries, do not convey the same information regarding preferred passage. Similarly, fender buoys and flashing light buoys are not primarily designed to indicate a preferred channel but may serve other purposes such as mooring or highlighting specific hazards.