Safe Water Marks are identified by pattern consisting of how many and what orientation of stripes?

• A. Six alternating red and white vertical stripes
• B. Four alternating red and white vertical stripes
• C. Six alternating green and red vertical stripes
• D. Six alternating red and white horizontal stripes

Answer: (A)

Safe Water Marks are used to show that safe water lies in all directions around the buoy. The pattern that identifies them is six vertical stripes, alternating red and white. This high-contrast, vertical design is easy to spot in rough seas and from a distance, making it quick for mariners to recognize safe waters and navigate accordingly. The other options don’t match the standard: the number of stripes, the color combination, and the horizontal orientation are all incorrect for Safe Water Marks.