If you encounter a buoy showing a red flashing light while heading southward along the east coast of the United States, how should you pass this buoy?

Passing a buoy that shows a red flashing light while heading southward along the east coast of the United States requires understanding the color coding of navigational aids. A red light indicates a channel marker that is part of the lateral system used to indicate safe passage for vessels. Specifically, red buoys are typically right-hand markers, meaning they should be kept on the starboard side when traveling in the direction indicated by the buoy.

In the context of heading southward, the proper action is to leave the buoy to your starboard side, which aligns with the rules of navigation that dictate that when you are moving in the conventional direction of a channel, red markers are to be kept to your right. This ensures safe navigation within the marked channel and helps prevent collisions with hazards or grounding in shallow waters. Understanding this system is crucial for safe maritime navigation and compliance with USCG regulations.