Alabama Boating License Practice Test 2025 - Free Boating License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Seeing a green navigational buoy indicates that you are navigating in a body of water where the buoy marks a safe channel or the edges of a waterway. In the system of lateral markers used in the United States, green buoys indicate the left side of the channel when you are facing upstream or heading toward the larger body of water. Therefore, the proper procedure is to pass the green buoy on your starboard (right) side. This helps ensure safe navigation and compliance with the established rules of the road on the water.

In contrast, passing it on the left side would place you outside the safe channel and potentially into dangerous waters. Avoiding the buoy completely would also be incorrect, as it serves an important purpose in guiding and marking the navigation channel. Getting too close could potentially risk your safety or the integrity of the buoy, but maintaining an appropriate distance while following the rules is essential for safe boating.