Which type of buoy marks the port side of a channel in both IALA regions?

In the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, the buoy that marks the port side of a channel is consistently identified as a red buoy in both IALA regions A and B. This standardization helps ensure navigational safety and effective communication for mariners, as red buoys serve as clear visual indicators of safe passage alongside the left side of the channel when approaching from seaward.

This consistent use of red for port-side markers is crucial for maintaining uniformity in buoyage systems worldwide, providing a reliable reference for navigators regardless of which IALA region they are operating in. This system reflects international best practice in maritime navigation to mitigate risks and enhance safety on the water.

Other buoy colors, such as green, yellow, or white, serve different functions within the buoyage system, often indicating starboard or other navigational features, which is why they do not fulfill the role of marking the port side.