What does it mean when a boater sees a red buoy?

When a boater sees a red buoy, it indicates that it marks the starboard side of a channel. This is a fundamental part of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, which uses a color coding system to provide guidance to mariners. In this system, red buoys are typically placed to the right when entering from the sea or an upstream direction, which helps maintain safe navigation and ensures that boaters can determine the correct side of the channel to navigate on. Understanding this signaling is crucial for safe boating, as it aids in avoiding hazards and ensures proper marine traffic flow.