Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

What is a mooring buoy used for?

1. It is a navigation aid for vessels.

2. It is a white buoy with a blue horizontal band that you may anchor to with permission.

3. It signals the location of shipwrecks.

4. It marks areas restricted to fishing.

The correct answer is: It is a white buoy with a blue horizontal band that you may anchor to with permission.

A mooring buoy serves as a designated point for vessels to securely tie up without the risks associated with anchoring, such as dragging anchor or damaging the seabed. The specific description of a mooring buoy being a white buoy with a blue horizontal band is a standardized way of identifying it within navigational circumstances. This distinct coloration helps boaters easily recognize it as a safe and permissible point to connect their vessel, provided they have the necessary permission, often from the local harbor authority or private property owner. Understanding the purpose of mooring buoys is crucial for boating safety and etiquette, as it helps manage marine traffic and protects the marine environment by directing boaters to specific locations designed for temporary anchoring. The other options pertain to different navigational aids or fishing regulations and do not align with the singular function of a mooring buoy in providing a safe place for boats to secure themselves without creating hazards for other vessels.