Which side of that black over white buoy?

[hazelnut]

After 11 Days on the Island I watched several boaters pass between the Barbers Pole and the Nav Buoy and its Companion across from me. Most of the time it was a bowrider (not bashing bowriders I own one) with a family on board. Also most of the time these individuals who were unsure of their actions had come off plain and were plowing bow up rear end way down. Why would someone who does not know where they are make matters even worse by dragging the rear of their boat deeper into unfamiliar waters? Only one of these people hit a rock and when they did they just stopped for 15 seconds and then continued on their way as if nothing happened. To be fair the Barbers Pole is a bit confusing considering it is not a navigational aide at all. However all you have to do is pull out the Bizer chart and it clearly states which side to pass on the nav buoys near by.