You are boating upstream at dusk and see a buoy with the number 5 and a flashing green light. What is your action?

When encountering a buoy marked with the number 5 and a flashing green light while boating upstream, it is important to understand the navigation rules associated with buoys. In the United States, a green buoy indicates a preferred channel for boats traveling upstream.

By keeping the buoy on your port (left) side as you move upstream, you are adhering to the rules of navigation that dictate the proper channel to follow. This practice is known as "keeping the green buoy on the left when going upstream." This ensures that you are navigating through the correct side of the channel and maintaining safety by remaining within marked navigable waters.

In this scenario, retaking the correct route is vital not only for your safety but also for the safety of other boaters. The other options either compromise navigational safety or don't align with the correct maritime practices for navigating buoyed waterways.