Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an inland waters obstruction marker?

Inland waters obstruction markers are designed primarily to alert boaters about hazards that may not be immediately visible or could pose risks to navigation. These markers are characterized by specific colors and patterns that communicate crucial information.

The reason the correct choice is that the marker is colored red is significant. In the context of marking navigable waters, red typically indicates the right side of a channel when returning from open water. Inland waters obstruction markers, on the other hand, are not colored red because their primary purpose is to signify obstacles rather than channel boundaries. Instead, these markers are often painted with black vertical stripes which serve to indicate danger or obstruction in the water, distinguishing them from navigational markers which utilize a different color scheme.

The other characteristics mentioned relate closely to the purpose and functionality of the inland waters obstruction markers. Black vertical stripes ensure visibility against various backgrounds, while the design helps ensure that they can be recognized as cautionary. The requirement for them to be easily visible in all weather conditions reflects safety considerations, as boaters must be able to identify these hazards at all times. Thus, the characteristic that sets them apart is their exclusion from the red color designation, which is reserved for navigation purposes.