Buoys beacons and marks
The IALA Buoyage System is a worldwide standardised system created as Region A and Region B. North and South America and the Phillipines use System B and the rest of the world uses System A. The system is made of five buoy types- cardinal, lateral,isolated danger, special and safe water marks.
Channel Markers
These show well-established channels and indicate port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the channels.
Port marks
A red can shape. At night, a red flashing light may be shown.
Starboard mark
A green conical shape. At night a green flashing light maybe shown.
Coming In Rule
When entering harbour (up stream) the red port mark should be kept on the boat's port (left) side the green mark on the boat's starboard (right) side.
Going Out Rule
When leaving harbour (down stream) the red port mark should be kept on the boat's starboard (right) side and the green mark on the boat's port (left) side.
Cardinal Marks - yellow and black
Each indicates where there is deep water close to a danger and they show this relative to the compass. NORTH - white light continuous quick flashing light. Pass to North. SOUTH - white light 6 quick flashes + 1 long flash. Pass to South. EAST - white light 3 quick flashes. Pass to East. WEST - white light 9 quick flahes. Pass to West.
Isolated danger - red and black
Indicates an isolated danger, such as a submerged rock. It tells you not to pass too close. Coloured black with one or more horizontal red bands. If lit at night it shows a group of two white flashes. The top mark has two round spheres.
Special marks
Indicates a special area and you should beware. coloured yellow. If lit at night it shows a flashing yellow light. The top mark is a single yellow cross. Check your chart to find out what is special in the area.
Online learning resource
NSW Maritime has launched a new online resource to promote better understanding of the water-traffic rules. The Vessel Navigation Interactive includes a wide range of practical navigation information such as how to recognise and understand navigation marks and signs in daylight and at night. It is a good idea to view the interactive prior to coming on a course.