Boating Basics: On the Water
Non-Lateral Markers
Non-lateral markers are navigation aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are regulatory markers 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 |
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Information
Squares indicate where to find food, supplies, repairs, etc. and give directions and other information. |
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Controlled
Circles indicate a controlled area such as speed limit, no fishing or anchoring, ski only or no skiing, or "slow, no wake." |
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Exclusion
Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways. |
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Danger
Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution. |
Other Non-Lateral Markers
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Safe Water Markers are white with red vertical stripes and mark mid-channels or fairways. They may be passed on either side. |
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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. |
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Mooring Buoy
Mooring buoys are white with a blue horizontal band and are found in marinas and other areas where vessels are allowed to anchor. |
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