How is a safe water mark buoy typically colored?

A safe water mark buoy is typically colored with red and white vertical stripes to signal to mariners that they are in open water and to provide a safe passage. The design communicates that there are navigable waters all around the buoy, helping vessels navigate safely by indicating that they are not too close to hazards. This visible distinctive coloring makes it easily identifiable and is part of a standardized system designed to enhance navigation safety.

Other colors indicate different types of navigational marks, and the red and white pattern serves a specific purpose in the IALA system, clearly denoting safety and guidance in open channels. The use of vertical stripes is a crucial aspect of the buoyage system, as it allows mariners to quickly recognize the meaning of the buoy even from a distance.