What is the only legal buoy a boat may tie up to?

The only legal buoy a boat may tie up to is the mooring buoy. Mooring buoys are specifically designed for boats to tie up securely without the risk of damage to the vessel or the surrounding environment. They provide a designated spot for boats to anchor temporarily while allowing for safe passage in navigable waters.

Mooring buoys are typically marked with distinctive colors and symbols to indicate their purpose. This system helps maintain order on the water and ensures that vessels are secured appropriately when they are not underway.

In contrast, safe water markers are meant to indicate safe water but are not designed for mooring. Channel buoys are used to mark navigable channels, guiding boats through safe passage areas, and are not suitable for tying up. Exclusion area markers indicate areas where boats are not allowed to enter, so tying up to such a marker would violate boating regulations. Understanding these distinctions helps boaters navigate safely and responsibly while adhering to boating laws.