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, directing travel within a channel. The markers use
a combination of colors and numbers, which may appear on either buoys
or permanently placed markers.
| Illustrations |
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 enters 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 as a boater enters from the open sea or heads upstream; if red is on top, the preferred channel is to the left. |
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Lighted Buoys use the lateral marker colors and numbers discussed above; in addition, they have a matching colored light. |
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Nuns are red cone-shaped buoys marked with even numbers. |
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Cans are green cylindrical-shaped buoys marked with 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). They may be lighted also. |