A special purpose buoy shall be _____.

A special purpose buoy is designated by its yellow coloration, which distinguishes it from other buoys that serve different navigational purposes. Yellow is specifically used in the maritime buoyage system to indicate a buoy that has a unique function, such as indicating a special area for activities like anchorage, racing, or restricted navigation.

This color coding plays a crucial role in aiding mariners in identifying buoys quickly and understanding their function. Other colors and markings, such as light sequences and designs, convey different meanings, but yellow is universally recognized for special purpose buoys.

In contrast, special purpose buoys are not typically equipped with red or white lights, nor do they adhere to the black and red striped markings, which may signify different types of aids to navigation or regulatory information. Understanding these distinctions is essential for safe navigation and compliance with maritime regulations.