CHAPTER 10 LATERAL MARKERS
Lateral markers are the red and green buoys or daymarks that identify the sides of channels. The area between the nuns and cans is known as a channel. A channel is the safe water to travel in and out of a harbor, or to navigate between obstacles. When inbound to a harbor, the red, even-numbered marks (nuns) designate the starboard side of a channel. The green, odd-numbered marks (cans) mark the port side of a channel.
NUNS AND CANS
Red, even-numbered, cone- shaped nuns. Green, odd- numbered, cylindrical-shaped cans
Non-lateral markers are regulatory or informational markers used to advise you of situations, dangers or directions. They may indicate shoals, swim areas and speed restrictions. They can be easily identified by their orange bands on the top and bottom of each marker. Non-lateral markers are not used for navigation.
RULES OF THE ROAD
As a rule, less experienced sailors should try to steer clear of boating traffic. However, especially on busy waterways, interac- tion with other boats may be unavoidable.
On land, motorists must abide by traffic laws and the painted lanes, signs and stoplights that help prevent collisions. Similarly, boaters are obligated to respect the navigation rules, commonly referred to as the Rules of the Road.
LIGHTED BUOYS
Unique flashing sequence as marked on a chart
As a sailor, it is your responsibility to know and understand these rules, which dictate both where boats can navigate and how to safely maneuver in traffic.
DEALING WITH TRAFFIC: Waterways can become congested with traffic. Rowboats, commercial fishing boats, recreational powerboats, ferries, cargo ships and other sailboats all share and operate in harbors and channels at the same time. To avoid potential collisions, every boater is required by law to listen and watch for other boats. This is known as keeping a lookout.
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DAYMARKS Red triangles or green squares fixed to poles
It is also important for all boaters to know and understand their maneuverability relative to the other boats around them. For example, if you are trying to cross a channel with a ship ap- proaching, can you safely cross in front of that vessel? Factors in this decision include wind, current, water depth, wave height, channel width and types of boats (both your boat and the other vessel).
If you must enter a channel, keep to the edges as much as pos- sible. If you must cross, choose a path that is perpendicular to the flow of traffic, which is the shortest distance from one side of the channel to the other. Also, be sure you are crossing at a speed/location that minimizes the chance of interfering with the paths of other boats.
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