When heading downstream (away from harbor) leave the red buoys to port and the green buoys to starboard.
When heading upstream (back in to harbor) it's the opposite: leave the green buoys to port and the red buoys to starboard.
Under the Inland Rules, red buoys should be passed on your starboard side when going upstream. They mark the left hand side (port) of the navigable channel when you are 'outbound,' and they will be on your right had side (starboard) when you are 'inbound.' (RED = RIGHT = RETURN)
A port or starboard buoy depending on what region you are in
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
What should you do to avoid capsizingA mooring buoy is a white boule with which color stripe
Keep the buoy on your right or starboard side.
Keep the buoy on your port (left) side.
A diamond on a buoy means danger or warning. If the diamond on the regulatory buoy is open, it's a warning. It may indicate the presence of a rock, dam, wreck or other danger. Usually, the danger present is indicated under the diamond. If the diamond on the regulatory buoy is crossed, it means you should not enter. It may be a swimming area (which would be a "do not enter" area for boats), rapids, or some other danger.