On approaching the English Channel on course 080°T, you note the symbol YBY near a charted buoy. You must pass __________.
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option C — westward of the buoy
A YBY (Yellow-Black-Yellow) horizontal band pattern identifies a West cardinal mark. Under the IALA buoyage system, a West cardinal mark indicates that the safest water lies to the west of the mark. Consequently, you must pass westward of the buoy to remain in the best navigable water for your vessel.
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