Red Colors, Red Lights, and Even Numbers: These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea or head upstream.
Red and Green Colors and/or Lights: These are placed at the junction of two channels to indicate the preferred (primary) channel when a channel splits. If green is on top, the preferred channel is to the right. If red is on top, the preferred channel is to the left.
These markers indicate an obstruction which is concealed underwater. Never pass between this marker and the shoreline. These markers indicate areas of safe water. These markers assist one by displaying the water which is safe to navigate and by marking the presence of channel entrances, channel centers or landfalls.
Non-lateral markers will assist operation by providing information about the area, as boating. Here are a few examples of common non-lateral markers. These regulatory markers can be distinguished by their orange markings. These markers indicate rules or restrictions which apply to the area.
These markers give directions, distances, and locations. One may use the information found inside the square to guide navigation. These markers feature orange squares.
These markers indicate a prohibited area which is closed off. For instance, these areas could be sectioned off swim areas or areas with fragile wildlife. Either way, steer clear and never cross these boundaries. These markers feature a diamond with an orange cross.
These 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). These may be lighted also.
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 cone-shaped buoys are always marked with red markings and even numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
These cylindrical-shaped buoys are always marked with green markings and odd numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
These markers are found on lakes and rivers and are navigation aids that give information other than the edges of safe water areas. The most common are regulatory markers that are white and use orange markings and black lettering.
These are white with a blue horizontal band. They usually are placed in marinas and other areas where boats are allowed to anchor. These are the only buoys you may tie up to legally.
Green Colors, Green Lights, and Odd Numbers. These mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream. Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea or head upstream. Red and Green Colors and/or Lights.
Not-lateral markers and buoys can be found anywhere in the water. Lateral markers are the red and green buoys that indicate the edges of safe areas in the water. When you return from sea to port or a harbor the green lateral markers will be on your port side. The red later markers will be to starboard.
Boat Exclusion Area: Explanation may be placed outside the crossed diamond shape, such as dam, rapids, swim area, etc. This is located on what is called a keep out buoy or an exclusion buoy.
A swimming buoy is an all-white marker. Sometimes these will also have lights on them. A yellow light will flash every four second. As the name suggests a swim marker marks a designated swimming area. These are often small and linked together by buoyant ropes. They are used to rope off an area often the size and shape of a swimming pool in open water.
Their presence indicates an obstruction to navigation. That means a hidden hazard below the water. You should never pass between an obstruction marker and the shore.
Regulatory markers are used to advise you of situations, dangers, or directions. They may indicate shoals, swim areas, speed zones, etc. They can be easily identified by the orange bands on the top and bottom of each buoy. On the water, you will find these markers posted on the sides of buoys to aid in navigation.
Hazard Markers. These regulatory markers feature an orange diamond. That symbol indicates you need to be cautious. The marker will likely also indicate the nature of the hazard. For instance it may be warning you of shoals or rocks. Use the information provided to avoid the hazard indicated.
Keep-out markers indicate that an area should be avoided. That means anything from a swimming area to an area with endangered wildlife. There may be other reasons for this regulatory marker as well. Avoid these areas and do not cross the boundaries.