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 on either 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
proceeds 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. |
