In what situation would you expect a red light to appear on a buoy?

The appearance of a red light on a buoy is commonly associated with signaling a potential hazard. In maritime navigation, red is used to denote danger or caution. A buoy displaying a red light serves as a warning to mariners about nearby obstacles, shallow waters, or areas that should be avoided. This color coding is part of the established maritime buoyage system, where different colors and lights convey specific messages to navigators.

While red lights may be observed in other contexts, such as to indicate night navigation or maintenance requirements, their primary function is to alert vessels of dangers in the water. This critical signaling helps ensure that sailors can navigate safely by making informed decisions based on visual cues present in the buoyage system.