1096. You are steaming southward along the west coast of the United States when you encounter a buoy showing a flashing red light. Which is TRUE concerning the buoy?

As you proceed southward along the U.S. West Coast using the IALA Region B buoyage system, a flashing red buoy must be kept to port. This is because southbound travel reverses the standard 'red right returning' rule, requiring red buoys to be passed on the port side to maintain a safe course.