Buoys beacons and marks - the international road signs of the sea
The meaning of each navigational buoy, or beacon, is found in its shape, symbol on the top (top mark) and its colours. Take time to study and familiarise yourself with their meanings. When in doubt refer to charts. Here's some points to help you remember the buoyage system.
Channel Markers
Channel Marks
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 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 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.
