What does it mean if a red buoy is marked with white stripes?

A red buoy marked with white stripes indicates a special mark with a specific purpose. In maritime navigation, these buoys serve to provide information or mark specific locations that may not fall within the standard buoyage systems used to denote safe navigational routes or hazards. The use of a red buoy with white stripes is typically associated with indicating a designated waterway or area of importance, such as a special anchorage, a designated swimming area, or a restricted area that requires further attention by mariners.

This differs from other buoy types, such as those that signal danger or safe passage. A typical danger area will be marked with standardized colors and patterns that specifically denote hazards, while safe passage indicators would not typically feature red as a primary color. Therefore, the unique combination of red with white stripes helps to communicate that this buoy carries specific, non-standard instructions crucial for boaters in that area.