RYA - The Knowledge
Don’t be blase about buoyage
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just as the less common signs in the Highway Code have a tendency to fade from memory over time, do you become blasé about what you’re seeing on the water? There’s a big difference between seeing, understanding and interpreting for a safe passage explains Rachel Andrews, RYA Chief Instructor, Motor Cruising and Power.
K 01
nowing your buoyage is like knowing your traffic signs on the road. But
It is a bit of an understatement to say that an understanding of buoyage is pretty important when you are heading out to sea. Even if you are an experienced mariner, it never hurts to refresh your memory so here is a brief overview of what buoys to look for and what they mean (this is by no means and exhaustive list of all the buoyage you may see out on the water)
01) PORT AND STARBOARD MARKS These are the most common marks. They flash red or green to any rhythm (apart from group flashing 2+1. This sequence is reserved for preferred channel marks. These may be seen where a channel divides) the light sequence will be marked on the chart for a specific buoy to mark the outer edge of a channel. Lateral marks are laid in the direction of the flood tide. In International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) region A, which incorporates the UK and much of Europe, red cans mark the port side of the channel, and green cones mark the starboard side. This is the opposite if you are in North or South America, Canada or certain parts of South East Asia. These areas are part of IALA (B). This is something you will need to explore further if you are in these territories.
Tip: If you are in any doubt about the direction of buoyage, then check on the chart for this arrow.
18 F&A / September 2017
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