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 boat or PWC 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 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
either on buoys or permanently placed markers.
| Illustrations |
What the Markers Mean |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
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. |
 |
Nuns are red cone-shaped buoys
marked with even numbers. |
 |
Cans are green cylindrical-shaped
buoys marked with odd numbers. |
|
Lighted
Buoys use the lateral marker colors
and numbers discussed above; in addition,
they have a matching colored light. |
 |
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. |
 |
The
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
is a chain of channels that provide
an inland passage along the U.S.
coast. Buoys and markers used
in this system are identified by
yellow symbols and serve a dual
purpose—they are navigational aids
for the lateral system and are markers
for the ICW.
|
 |
If you are following the ICW from
New Jersey to Brownsville, Texas, in
a clockwise direction:
- Any marker displaying a yellow
triangle should be passed by keeping it on the starboard
(right) side of your vessel.
- Any marker displaying a yellow square should be passed
by keeping it on the port (left) side of your vessel.
|
|
Red Right Returning
is a reminder of the correct course when returning from
open waters or heading upstream.
|
