143035_DBW Course_r3

Chapter 2 X Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

Lateral Markers and Safe Water Aids (Federal) The lateral markers guide navigation on coastal waterways spanning more than one state.

mid-channel. In recent years, these markers have been equipped with radar reflectors so that large ships can navigate at night. » A red-striped spherical buoy marks the center of the channel. “Red, Right, Returning” is a saying to help you remember which side of a channel the red and green buoys are found. When you are returning from seaward to a port or harbor, the red buoys should be on your right side. This will ensure that you’re in the middle of a designated shipping lane or channel.

» A green can buoy marks the left side of the channel when you’re returning to port. » A red nun buoy marks the right side of the channel when you’re returning to port. ƒ Safe water aids mark mid channels and fairways. These range markers are red and white, exhibit no numbers, but may be lettered. They include white-lighted buoys, spherical-unlighted buoys, and daymarks. Ships line up these markers to stay on course in

The marking system includes: ƒ Lateral aids marking the sides of channels that boaters can see when entering from seaward. Port-side markers are green with odd numbers, and starboard side markers are red with even numbers. They include red and green lighted buoys, red nun and green can buoys, and red and green daymarks.

LATERAL MARKERS

SAFE WATER AIDS

Port Side Odd Numbers

Starboard Side Even Numbers

No Numbers, May Be Lettered

Lighted buoy (green light only)

Lighted buoy (red light only)

Lighted (white light)

8

9

G

G “9” Fl G 4 sec

R “8” Fl R 4sec

RW “G” MO (A)

OR

OR

OR

Marks the center of the channel

Spherical buoy (unlighted)

Can buoy (unlighted)

Nun buoy (unlighted)

6

RW SP “G”

7

R N “6”

G C “7”

G

CF A

Daymark

Daymark

Daymark

1

2

MR

A

SG G “1”

TR R “2”

RW “A”

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California Course for Safe Boating