What is a mooring buoy and how does it typically appear?

A mooring buoy is a floating device used to anchor a vessel without the need to drop its anchor to the seabed. Typically, a mooring buoy is marked in accordance with specific color codes to convey its purpose. In this context, a mooring buoy is defined by its distinctive appearance, which is predominantly white with a blue horizontal band.

This color scheme signifies that the buoy is designated for the purpose of mooring, and it helps boaters quickly identify it while navigating. The white color indicates that the buoy is a mooring point, while the blue band communicates that there may be private or designated use associated with it, differentiating it from other types of buoys such as those marking navigational hazards or channels. Understanding these color codes is essential for safe boating practices, ensuring that boaters can correctly interpret the meaning of various buoys they encounter on the water.