Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What are red buoys typically called?

1. Nun buoys

2. Can buoys

3. Safe water buoys

4. Conical buoys

The correct answer is: Nun buoys

Red buoys are commonly referred to as nun buoys. These buoys are part of the lateral system of navigation aids, which is used to indicate safe passages for mariners. Nun buoys have a conical shape and are designed to mark the right side (starboard) of a channel when approaching from the open sea or upstream. They are often marked with a red color and may display a number to assist with navigation. In the context of the options, can buoys, which are green and cylindrical, indicate the left side of the channel, while safe water buoys mark the center of a navigable channel and are typically colored white with red vertical stripes. Conical buoys is another term that may arise in discussions about buoy shapes but is not directly applicable to the red buoys specifically considered in this question. Thus, understanding that nun buoys denote safe navigation on the right side of a channel is crucial for safe boating practices.