Boating License Practice Test 2026 - Free Boating Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

White lights can sometimes be found on mid channel buoys because these buoys are used to mark navigable water channels and provide guidance for vessels to avoid hazards. The white light serves as an additional navigational aid, especially in low visibility conditions, which helps boaters identify the safe passageway in open waters. Mid channel buoys often indicate the center of the waterway and assist in safe navigation by marking the channel’s main path.

Other buoy types do not typically feature white lights. Arrival buoys are generally used to indicate points of arrival at a destination but may not serve the same navigational function as mid channel buoys. Special purpose buoys are designated for unique purposes and may have specific colors or markings instead of lights. Sailing buoys usually indicate areas designated for sailing activities but also generally lack the white lights that assist in broader navigation.