What should a vessel operator do in relation to a buoy indicating an obstruction to navigation?

Choosing to avoid passing between the buoy and the shore is the correct response because buoys that indicate obstructions to navigation are specifically designed to alert mariners to potential hazards in the water. Navigating in this area could put the vessel at risk of running aground or colliding with the obstruction that the buoy is marking.

Passing between the buoy and the shore might lead the operator into dangerous water where unseen hazards may exist, which can jeopardize both crew and vessel safety. The best practice is to ensure a safe distance from obstructions, allowing for a clear passage and minimizing risk.

Monitoring the buoy for movement or using it for anchoring purposes would not address the immediate concern of navigating safely around an obstruction. Operating a vessel in close proximity to a buoy marking a hazard is not advisable, as the buoy's primary function is to indicate danger and guide mariners to navigate safely around it.