Channel buoys that are painted green should be taken on the _____________________ side of the boat when entering a harbor.

When entering a harbor, green channel buoys are designed to indicate that they should be passed on the port side of the boat. This is consistent with the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) system for buoyage, specifically the IALA System B, which is used in the United States. In this system, green buoys mark the left side of a vessel's course when traveling upstream or entering a harbor. Therefore, a vessel should keep these buoys on its port side (the left side when facing forward) to ensure safe navigation within the channel. This rule helps maintain a consistent and predictable path for all marine traffic, reducing the risk of collisions and grounding. Understanding buoy colors and their associated meanings is crucial for safe boating operations.