What type of buoy indicates the right side of the channel when heading upstream?

A nun buoy is designed specifically to indicate the right side of the channel when navigating upstream. These buoys are typically conical in shape and painted in red, in accordance with the lateral system of navigation. This system provides essential visual cues to boaters to help them safely navigate waterways.

The distinction of nun buoys as right-hand markers stems from the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, where the red color signifies that a boater is passing the buoy on the right side when heading upstream. This ensures consistency and helps prevent collisions as vessels understand which side of the channel to navigate.

In comparison, can buoys are used to mark the left side of the channel when heading upstream and are usually green. The other options, marker buoys and hazard buoys, serve different purposes, such as indicating specific locations or warning of potential dangers, rather than denoting navigational channels.