Boating Basics: On the Water

Non-Lateral Markers

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. Non-lateral markers are found on lakes and rivers.

Illustrations	What the Non-Lateral Markers Indicate
	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.
	Information Squares indicate where to find food, supplies, repairs, etc. and give directions and other information.
	Controlled Circles indicate a controlled area such as speed limit, no fishing or anchoring, ski only or no skiing, or "slow, no wake."
	Exclusion Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all vessels such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.
	Danger Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution.

Other Non-Lateral Markers

	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 Markers are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore.