What distinguishes a buoy that is white with a horizontal blue band?

A buoy that is white with a horizontal blue band is specifically designated as a mooring buoy. These buoys are typically used to indicate areas where vessels can safely tie up without anchoring, which helps to prevent damage to the surrounding marine environment and ensures that navigation channels remain unobstructed.

Mooring buoys may often be equipped with a white light, making them more visible at night or during poor visibility conditions. The design of these buoys serves a dual purpose: providing a safe and convenient mooring option for vessels while maintaining clear navigation routes.

This specific marking with a blue band is standardized, making it easily recognizable for mariners who need to identify suitable mooring locations. It’s important to be familiar with these markings to ensure safe navigation and compliance with maritime regulations. The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose or characteristics of a buoy with this specific color scheme.