Under the IALA-A Buoyage System, a buoy indicating the preferred channel is to port would have __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — horizontal bands

Under IALA-A, a preferred channel buoy is marked with horizontal bands of red and green. The color of the top band indicates the preferred channel side. This distinct marking allows mariners to identify bifurcation points and safely navigate toward the primary channel when entering from the seaward direction.