Navigating waterways can be challenging, but if you think of waterways like highways, you will have a better understanding of how channel markers play a significant role in guiding boaters in the direction of their travels, avoiding hazards, and providing information on how close they are to their destination.

What are Channel Marker Buoys

Channel marker buoys are floating navigational aids anchored to the seabed, designed to guide vessels through safe passages in waterways. When you think of a highway, you think of different lanes where vehicles drive in opposite directions. Channel marker buoys act as guides to let boaters know the sides of the channel, where a channel splits or intersects, and marks a centerline in wide bodies of water. These buoys are essential for maintaining order and safety in both commercial and recreational boating.

How to Follow Channel Marker Buoys

Channel marker buoys come in various colors, shapes, and may have numbers, each with specific meanings and uses.

Color

Lateral marker buoys indicate the edges of a navigable channel. They are color-coded and may have lights to assist in nighttime navigation.

Red Buoys

Red buoys mark the right side or starboard side of the channel when returning from the sea (often remembered by the phrase “red, right, returning”).

Green Buoys

Green Buoys mark the left side (portside) of the channel when returning from sea.

Preferred Channel Markers

These buoys indicate the preferred channel when a channel splits. They are colored with both red and green stripes.

Shape

In addition to the color, the shapes are differentiated for added visual identification of what is the left and right side of the channel.

Nun Buoys

Red markers are typically cylindrical with a triangular, or cone-shaped, top and referred to as “nun.”

Can Buoys

Green markers are typically cylindrical with a flat top, called “can” buoys.

Numbers

Channel markers are numbered to show proximity to open water. The lower the number, the closer the distance to open water.

Red buoys are marked with even numbers, while green buoys have odd numbers. As you return home, the red nun buoys will be on the right side of the channel while the green can buoys will be on the left, and the numbers on these markers will increase as you navigate away from open water.

The Importance of Channel Marker Buoys

Channel marker buoys are vital for several reasons.

Safety

They prevent accidents by guiding vessels through safe routes and away from hazards like rocks, shoals, and shallow.

Regulation Compliance

Channel marker buoys help enforce maritime laws by marking areas where certain activities are restricted or regulated.

Efficiency

By clearly marking navigable channels, they ensure smooth and efficient traffic flow, crucial for commercial shipping.

Environmental Protection

They help protect sensitive marine environments by keeping vessels in designated channels and away from vulnerable habitats.

Know Your Local Regulations for Safe Navigation

Channel marker buoys are indispensable tools for safe and efficient navigation on waterways. Whether you are a seasoned mariner or a recreational boater, understanding these markers can significantly enhance your safety and confidence on the water.

Keep in mind that different regions of the world follow different rules, for example, USA follows Region B rules in the IALA Maritime Buoyage System. It is important to be familiar with your local and state regulations. Next time you set sail, pay close attention to these floating aids —they are there to guide you safely to your destination.

Where to Source Channel Marker Buoys

Sealite, a marine brand of SPX Aids to Navigation, is a globally trusted brand providing a range of marine products designed for inland waterways including high-quality regulatory buoys, channel marker buoys, and solar marine lanterns.

Each buoy has a seamless construction through the rotational-molding process and is made of UV-stabilized polyethylene with closed-cell foam materials for optimal performance.

The Sealite USA team is available to consult with you on selecting the proper regulatory buoy and accessories for a successful installation.

Questions? Contact us!

Related Blogs:

• Understanding Regulatory Buoys