A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

A Course for Safe Boating

Chapter 2

Boating Law, Navigational Rules and Navigational Aids

NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Like streets and highways, California waterways have navigation signs that

direct traffic. These navigation signs are called the U.S. Aids to Navigation

System, or ATONs. The U.S. Aids to Navigation System include lateral naviga-

tion markers, non-lateral markers and safe water aids.

ATONs Help Boaters:

Avoid problems

Travel safely

Navigate from one place to another

Locate their positions

Non-Lateral Markers (State)

The Uniform State Waterways Marking System (USWMS) uses regulatory

markers and aids to navigation mostly on lakes and other inland waterways,

but may also be used on federal waters. The regulatory markers designate:

Boat exclusion areas:

A diamond shape with a centered cross designates

areas that boats must stay away from, such as swim areas, dams or

rapids. Wording may be placed outside the crossed diamond shape.

Danger:

An open-faced diamond identifies the nature of the danger, such

as rock, wreck or shoal (shallow area). Wording may be posted inside the

diamond shape.

Controlled area:

A circular shape designates a controlled area, and

wording may identify the type of control, such as “5 mph,” “no wake” or

“anchoring.” The warning may be placed inside the circle.

Information:

A square or a rectangle displays official information, such as

directions and locations.

A white mooring buoy with a blue band:

The buoy may show a white

reflector or light, and is for mooring only.

Inland waters obstruction mark:

A white buoy with black vertical stripes

indicates an obstruction to navigation. To avoid the obstruction, do not pass

between the buoy and the shore.

Buoys can be used to display regulatory markers. They may show a white light

and may be lettered.

Boat exclusion

area

Danger

Controlled

Information

Mooring

buoy

Inland waters

obstruction

mark

NON-LATERAL MARKERS