USCG Exam PracticeAids to Navigation — IALA-B (US) buoyage
A mariner departing US waters and entering a European port will encounter IALA-A buoyage. Which statement correctly describes the difference in lateral mark colors between IALA-A and IALA-B?
- A. In IALA-A, port-hand marks are green and starboard-hand marks are red
- ✓ In IALA-A, port-hand marks are red and starboard-hand marks are greenCorrect
- C. IALA-A and IALA-B use identical colors; only the shapes differ
- D. In IALA-A, both port and starboard marks are red; shape distinguishes them
Why B is correct
Under IALA-A, port-hand marks are red and starboard-hand marks are green — the reverse lateral assignment from IALA-B where red is kept to starboard returning from sea. The Light List notes this reversal is critical for Near-Coastal candidates.