Buoys and markers are the “traffic signals” that guide
vessel operators safely along some waterways. They also identify
dangerous or controlled areas and give directions and information.
As a recreational vessel operator you will need to know the lateral
navigation markers and non-lateral markers of the U.S. Aids to
Navigation System.
These navigation aids are used to mark the edges of safe water
areas; for example, to direct travel within a channel. They use
a combination of colors and numbers that may be applied to buoys
or permanently placed markers.
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Illustrations
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What the Markers
Mean |
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Red colors, red lights, and even numbers indicate
the right side of the channel as a boater enters from the open
sea or heads upstream. |
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Green colors, green lights and odd numbers indicate
the left side of the channel as a boater proceeds from the
open sea or heads upstream. |
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Red and green colors and/or lights indicate the preferred
(primary) channel. If green is on top, the preferred channel
is to the right; if red is on top, the preferred channel is
to the left. |
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Lighted Buoys use the lateral marker shapes, colors
and numbers discussed above; in addition, they have a matching
colored light. |
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Nuns are cone-shaped buoys marked with red colors
and even numbers. |
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Cans are cylindrical-shaped buoys marked with green
colors and odd numbers. |
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Daymarks are permanently placed signs attached to
structures such as posts in the water. Common daymarks are
red triangles (equivalent to nuns) and green squares (equivalent
to cans) and may also be lighted. |
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Red Right Returning is a reminder of
the correct course when returning from open waters or heading
upstream.
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