Reading buoys and other markers
The waters of the United States are marked
for safe navigation by the lateral system of
buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers
have an arrangement of shapes, colors,
numbers and lights to show which side of
the buoy a boater should pass on when
navigat- ing in a particular direction. The
markings on these buoys are oriented from
the perspec- tive of being entered from
seaward (the boat- er is going towards the
port). This means that red buoys are
passed on the starboard (right) side when
proceeding from open wa- ter into port, and
black buoys are to port (left) side. When
navigating out of port, your posi- tion with
respect to the buoys should be re- versed;
red buoys should be to port and black
buoys to starboard.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are
entirely within the boundaries of a particular
state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
System has been devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with dis-
tinctive shapes and colors to show
regulatory or advisory information. These
markers are white with black letters and
orange boarders. They signify speed zones,
restricted areas, danger areas, and general
information.
Remember, markings may vary by geo-
graphic location. Always consult local boat-
ing authorities before driving your boat in
unfamiliar waters.
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