Buoys are crucial aids to navigation—marking channels, hazards, and safe waters. But they’re also surprisingly easy to hit, especially in rough conditions or during low visibility. Whether you’re sailing, motoring, or cruising, here are 7 essential tips to help you avoid these floating markers.
1. Understand the Buoy System (IALA B)
In the U.S. and much of the Western Hemisphere, we follow the IALA Region B buoyage system.
Key Markers:
Buoy Type | Color | Shape | Channel Side (Returning) | Numbering |
Nun Buoy | Red | Conical | Starboard (Right) | Even numbers |
Can Buoy | Green | Cylindrical | Port (Left) | Odd numbers |
📌 Mnemonic: “Red, Right, Returning” – Keep red buoys on your right (starboard) side when returning from sea.
2. Use a Chartplotter or GPS
Modern marine electronics often display real-time locations of buoys. Use your GPS or chartplotter to visualize:
Buoy locations ahead
Your boat’s proximity to markers
AIS-enabled buoys (which broadcast position)
3. Slow Down in Fog or Low Light
Buoys are tough to spot at dawn, dusk, or in fog. Reduce speed and keep a designated lookout to:
Spot buoys early
Avoid collisions with unlit or partially submerged markers
4. Keep a Visual Scan Going
Use binoculars and your naked eye to scan the horizon often, especially:
In busy harbors
Near marked channels or mooring fields
Around shifting sandbars
5. Avoid Shortcutting Channel Edges
Many buoy strikes happen when boaters try to “cut corners” outside marked channels. Stick to the charted route—that’s where it’s deepest, safest, and clearest.
6. Know Special Buoy Markings
Not all buoys mark channels. Learn to recognize:
Yellow buoys – Special purpose (e.g., fishing zones, cable areas)
White with orange – Regulatory (no wake zones, speed limits)
Lighted buoys – Flash sequences help identify them at night
7.Watch Out for Drifted or Damaged Buoys
Buoys can shift position after storms or strong currents. A buoy slightly off station may:
Drift into a path of travel
Not match its charted position
Helpful Visual: Buoy Positioning Guide
Here’s a simplified diagram to help visualize your position in a channel:
Land
|
(Odd #) | (Even #)
Green | Red
Can | Nun
-------------|-------------
| ^
Safe | Return from Sea
Channel |
Final Thought
Buoys are your friends—but only when you don’t hit them. With a blend of navigational awareness, technology, and seamanship, you can cruise confidently and collision-free.