ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR KNOWLEDGE


Using Aids to Navigation to Maneuver in a Channel U.S. navigation aids are generally based on the Lateral System, but other systems are also used in North America: Uniform State Waterway Marking System, Intracoastal Waterway System, Western Rivers System, and Cardinal System (which indicates compass direction to obstruction or safe water). At this point, don’t go into any detail with these other systems unless your local area uses one of them.


A can is an odd-numbered, green buoy that is used to mark the left side of a channel when entering (returning to) a harbor. It has a flat top. When you leave a harbor, cans mark the right side of the channel.


A nun is an even-numbered, red buoy used to mark the right side of a channel when entering (returning to) a harbor. It has a pointed top. When you leave a harbor, nuns mark the left side of the channel.


Green or red lighted buoys are spaced relatively far apart and located near the entrances of harbors. Each has a distinct flashing pattern that is indicated on a chart so it can be readily identified. Lighted buoys are especially helpful for navigating at night.


Key Points to Emphasize: E One side of the channel is marked by red markers with even numbers and the other side is marked by green markers with odd numbers.


E Use the “3R” rule, “Red, Right, Returning,” to determine which side to leave the red and green markers -- leave red markers on the right (starboard) side when returning to a harbor.


E The numbers on the markers will increase when entering and decrease when leaving a harbor. A junction or an obstruction in a channel is marked by a red and green horizontal


E striped marker, the top stripe indicating the preferred side to leave it. If the top stripe is red, leave the marker to starboard. If the top stripe is green, leave the marker to port (if entering the harbor).


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A green daymark is a square, odd-numbered green sign that is mounted to a piling. It marks the side of a channel and should be treated like a can.


A red daymark is a triangular, even-numbered, red sign mounted to a piling. It marks the side of a channel and should be treated like a nun.


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