When entering a vessel traffic separation zone from sea, what color light should a lighted buoy to be kept to starboard be?

A lighted buoy that must be kept to starboard when entering a vessel traffic separation zone will display a red light. This is consistent with international navigation rules, where red marks signify the starboard side of a channel or indicate that the buoy is to be kept on the right when entering from the sea. Adhering to this rule is crucial for safe navigation, as it helps to properly identify channel boundaries and directs vessels clearly within the traffic pattern.

In navigation, red buoys are often used to denote specific areas and should be maintained on the right side of the vessel as it approaches the traffic separation zone. This adherence to color coding ensures uniformity in navigation practices, allowing mariners to understand and anticipate navigation aids' meanings universally across different regions.