buoyage

Llantrisant Sub-Aqua Club
www.llantrisantdivers.com

Buoyage Information

	Buoys and markers are invaluable guides to safe navigation. The system of buoys used in UK waters is outlined below. --------------
	Lateral Buoyage IALA "A"
Trinity House	Nautical Issues	More Info

Direction of buoyage

(Magenta Arrow)

This will be on every chart and lets
you know the direction of buoyage

Isolated Danger Mark

The isolated danger mark is used when there is clear water all round the object of concern but the danger lurks directly below the buoy or pile.

Safe Water Mark

This mark usually denotes the start of a buoyed channel, while there is safe water all round, be on the look out for the start of a buoyed channel with port and starboard lateral marks.

Port Marker Buoy

Keep all solid red buoys on your port (left) side
when moving in the direction of buoyage
(usually upstream or into shore or harbour)

Starboard Marker Buoy

Keep all solid green buoys on your starboard (right) side
when moving in the direction of buoyage
(usually upstream or into shore or harbour)

Preferred Channel to Port

At the point where a channel divides, when proceeding
in the direction of buoyage, the preferred channel is to port.

Preferred Channel to Starboard

At the point where a channel divides, when proceeding
in the direction of buoyage, the preferred channel is to starboard.

Special Marks

Special Marks are yellow and the shape is optional. They are not
primarily intended for navigation but indicate special areas or features,
e.g. spoil grounds, military exercise zones, sewer outfalls, etc.

North Cardinal Buoy

The North cardinal buoy is black on top and yellow on bottom. The safe water lies to the north of this buoy.

South Cardinal Buoy

The South cardinal buoy is yellow on top and black on bottom. The safe water lies to the south of this buoy.

West Cardinal Buoy

The West cardinal buoy is yellow with a black band.
The safe water lies to the west of this buoy.

East Cardinal Buoy

The East cardinal buoy is black with a yellow band.
The safe water lies to the east of this buoy.

A passage illustrating examples of buoyage

Examples of Buoyage

Chart of the Approaches to Milford Haven showing buoyage

Chart of Sandy Haven indicating position of the Behar Buoy - pictured right

Top of this Page