What should you do if you see a red buoy?

Seeing a red buoy indicates that you are approaching a navigational mark that is a part of the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) system, which is used to provide safe navigation guidance for boaters. In the United States, red buoys are meant to be passed on your right side when you are traveling upstream or returning from sea. This rule helps ensure that vessels maintain safe and consistent navigation paths, reducing the risk of collisions and accidents.

Given this understanding of buoyage systems, passing a red buoy on the right allows you to comply with standard navigation practices. Ignoring the buoy, stopping for instructions, or passing it on the left would create confusion and potentially hazardous situations on the water. Therefore, recognizing and adhering to the way red buoys should be navigated is essential for safe boating.