Alabama Boating License Practice Test

What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers?

1. To indicate fishing areas

2. To mark the locations of underwater cables

3. To mark the edges of safe water areas

4. To guide ships to the dock

The correct answer is: To mark the edges of safe water areas

The main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers is to mark the edges of safe water areas for boats and ships. These buoys and markers are used to indicate the navigable channel and help vessels navigate through potentially hazardous areas. Option A, indicating fishing areas, may be marked by colored buoys but these would not be part of the lateral system. Option B, marking underwater cables, would use different types of markers and would not be related to safe navigation. Option D, guiding ships to the dock, would require larger and more prominent markers rather than the smaller buoys and markers used in the lateral system. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.