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The Handbook of Delaware Boating Laws and Responsibilities Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife logo

Boating Basics: On the Water

Non-Lateral Markers

Non-lateral markers are navigational aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are the regulatory markers shown below, which are white and use orange markings and black lettering. These markers are found on lakes and rivers.

Illustrations What the Non-Lateral Markers Indicate
Information marker: White buoy with directions inside an orange square
Information: Squares indicate where to find food, supplies, repairs, etc. and give directions and other information.
Controlled area marker: White buoy with speed limit inside an orange circle
Controlled: Circles indicate a controlled area such as speed limit, no fishing or anchoring, ski only or no skiing, or “slow, no wake.”
Exclusion marker: White buoy with orange crossed diamond  and labeled Swim Area underneath
Exclusion: Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.
Danger marker: White buoy with an orange diamond that warns of danger
Danger: Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution.
Safe Water Markers: Red and white vertically striped buoys
Safe Water Markers are white with red vertical stripes and mark mid-channels or fairways. They may be passed on either side.
Inland waters Obstruction Markers: Buoy with black and white vertical stripes
Inland Waters Obstruction Markers are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore.
Mooring Buoys: White buoys with blue horizontal stripes
Mooring Buoys are white with a blue horizontal band and are found in marinas and other areas where vessels are allowed to anchor.
Separator
Delaware Division
of Fish & Wildlife
Overview
Boating Basics
It's the Law!
Required Equipment
It's the Law! (cont.)
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The Handbook of Delaware Boating Laws and Responsibilities
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