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.

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