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 mark the edges of safe water areas;
for example, to direct travel within a channel. They use a
combination of colors and numbers, which may appear on either buoys or permanently placed markers.
| Pictures of Markers: |
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 as a boater enters from the open
sea or heads upstream; if red is on top, the
preferred channel is to the left. |
|
Lighted Buoys use the lateral
marker colors and numbers discussed above;
in addition, they have a matching
colored light. |
|
Nuns are red cone-shaped buoys marked with even numbers. |
|
Cans are green cylindrical-shaped buoys marked with odd numbers. |
|
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. |
Red Right Returning is a reminder of the correct course when returning
from open waters or heading upstream. |
