Which statement about reflective material on buoys is TRUE?

A preferred-channel buoy typically displays either red or green reflective material that corresponds with the color of the top band on the buoy. This is crucial for navigational purposes, as it helps boat operators identify the correct channels and navigate safely. Each color signifies whether the buoy is marking a channel that leads to safe water or a restricted area. Hence, the color scheme on the buoy assists in conveying critical navigation information to operators, allowing them to follow established routes appropriately.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the standardized meanings and uses of reflective materials on buoys. For instance, safe-water buoys do not specifically have red and white vertical stripes of reflective material; instead, they are usually marked with vertical red and white stripes, but reflective material is not the distinguishing feature. Additionally, while reflective material does enhance visibility at night, implying that all reflective materials must be white is inaccurate, since different colors serve specific purposes in navigation. Special-purpose marks also do not conform strictly to the color-use rule that the other options suggest.