What action should a boater take when they spot a buoy?

When a boater spots a buoy, the appropriate action is to follow the navigation rules associated with the buoy. Buoys serve a critical role in maritime navigation, providing essential information about safe passage, navigational hazards, or specific regulations in the area. Each buoy's color, shape, and markings convey important messages that help guide boaters in safely operating their vessels.

Navigational rules help ensure that boaters know how to interpret the signals a buoy is communicating. For example, a green buoy generally indicates safe water to the right when entering a channel, whereas a red buoy usually marks the left side. Adhering to these rules helps prevent accidents and keeps waterways safe for all users.

The other actions, such as ignoring the buoy, taking a photograph, or marking it on a map, do not contribute to safe navigation and could result in confusion or dangerous situations on the water. It is imperative for boaters to acknowledge and understand the meaning of buoys in their vicinity.