Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Test

What additional feature do lighted buoys include?

1. Sound signal

2. Matching colored light

3. Reflective material

4. Daymark sign

The correct answer is: Matching colored light

Lighted buoys play an important role in navigation by providing visual cues to boaters. One of their key features is the inclusion of a matching colored light. This means that the light emitted from the buoy corresponds to the color used on the buoy itself—typically red or green, which indicates which side of a channel the buoy marks. The colored light enhances visibility during nighttime or low visibility conditions, helping boaters identify their course more easily and safely. The other features mentioned, like sound signals or reflective materials, may be present in other navigation aids but are not standard for lighted buoys specifically. Lighted buoys are primarily designed to visually communicate important information through their color and light, making it crucial for boaters to be able to recognize and understand this matching colored light feature for effective navigation.