SUPREME S21 - Page 102

Navigation Rules and Aids
7-11
Lateral Markers
Lateral markers are used to mark the sides of navigable channels. They can be
buoys, daymarks or minor lights, and are red and green in color. They can be
lighted or unlighted and may or may not have numbers.
The basic nautical rule of lateral markers is the phrase “Red, Right, Returning.”
The term “sea” generally refers to the ocean or a large body of water. “Seaward”
refers to traveling from the sea or a large body of water inland or to a smaller body
of water.
When traveling seaward – keep red markers to your port (left) and green markers
to your starboard (right).
When returning from seaward – keep red markers to your starboard (right) and
green markers to your port (left).
Figure 9
Figure 7-9
Lateral Aids Marking
the Sides of Channels
as Seen When Entering
from Seaward
Port Side
Odd Numbers
Starboard Side
Even Numbers
Lighted Buoy
Lighted Buoy
Nun Buoy
Daymark
Daymark
Can Buoy
3
5
2
4
GREEN LIGHT ONLY
Flashing (2)
Flashing
Occulting
Quick Flashing
Iso
RED LIGHT ONLY
Flashing (2)
Flashing
Occulting
Quick Flashing
Iso
KC-0054C-A
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