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Official Indiana Boating Handbook Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Boating Basics: On the Water

Non-Lateral Markers    312 IAC 5-4

Non-lateral markers are navigational 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
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 Boats Keep Out

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.

Other Non-Lateral Markers
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 Marker: 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 Buoy: White buoy with blue horizontal band
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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