You are steaming southward along the west coast of the United States when you encounter a buoy showing a flashing red light. The buoy should be left on __________.

Correct Answer: Option B — the vessel's port side

Under the IALA-B system used in the United States, red buoys are kept to the starboard side when returning from sea (proceeding upstream). Since you are steaming southward along the West Coast, you are proceeding toward the sea; therefore, red buoys must be kept on your port side.