What is the purpose of a red and white buoy?

A red and white buoy is specifically designed to mark mid-channel safe waters. This type of buoy serves as a navigational aid, indicating areas where vessels can safely navigate without the risk of running aground or encountering submerged hazards. The colors—red and white—are standardized in buoyage systems to convey specific meanings to mariners.

The functionality of such buoys is crucial in maritime navigation, providing clear guidance to ensure that vessels understand where the deepest parts of a channel are located. Mariners can rely on these buoys to make informed decisions about their course and ensure safe passage through waterways.

The other potential purposes of buoys differ significantly from this specific role, as buoys with alternative color schemes and configurations are used to signify hazards, indicate navigational channels, or serve other specialized purposes. In this case, recognizing that a red and white buoy marks mid-channel safe waters reinforces the importance of color coding in navigation to communicate critical information to mariners effectively.