Re: Red right return?
If I remember correctly when a buoy is half green and half red that means it is safe to pass on either side.But, the preferred side is marked by the color on the top half.
http://www.boat-ed.com/images/animations/buoynavigation.html
Roll you mouse over the center buoy for explanation.
In US coastal waters, A dual colored channel marker is used when a secondary channel merges or intersects a main channel and share the bouy position. The top color on the bouy is for the main or larger channel. An entrance bouy, which is safe to pass on either side, is marked red and white and does not have a number, but will have letters to represent the channel's name. The red and white bell "JI" bouy marks the entrance to Jones Inlet 1/2 mile south of the opening, for example.
There is a good reason for all of the varied responses above. Please keep in mind that locations and governing entities (especially lakes and rivers) may have their own protocol for indicating navigable waters. Current charts and local knowledge are your best guides along with a boatload of caution!
