INTERNATIONAL OF MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE

ASSOCIATION AND LIGHTHOUSE DE SIGNALISATION AUTHORITIES MARITIME

second edition

March 2010
Copyright reserved

Contents
Historical General Rules Map showing Regions A & B background Principles of the System 3 5 8

12 & 13

Maritime Contents

Buoyage System

01

International

Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

--61Bf:::c?
~

MARITIME BUOYAGE SYSTEM

a nd Other Aids to Navigation

HistoricaL Background
PRIOR TO 1976
There was once more than thirty different buoyage systems

systems

in use world-wide,

many of these

having rules in complete There which

conflict

with one another. over the way In since using they first In 19th century.

has long been disagreement buoy lights should countries be used favoured towards some the port the end of the

appeared particular, to mark

red lights and others

hand side of channels the starboard

favoured them for marking Another major difference principles the mariner. starboard

hand.

of opinion revolved around the adopted the principle according of to At the end of World War II many countries urgently. to suit found of In the were local

to be applied when laying out marks to assist Most countries

the Lateral system whereby marks indicate the port and sides of the route to be followed of Cardinal some agreed direction. dangers are marked where the danger However, several countries also their aids to navigation restoration absence adopted conditions on a of of anything with or destroyed better, without conflicting and the process

favoured using the principle laid out in the quadrants system being particularly

marks whereby to indicate this

by one or more buoys or beacons of the compass lies in relation to the mark,

had to be undertaken variation

the Geneva rules available. differences

useful in the open sea where may not be apparent. agreement

the Lateral buoyage direction The nearest approach unified system 1936. This Agreement, the League of Nations, outbreak separated of World the use of either Cardinal

and the equipment

This led to particularly Europe. of

wide and sometimes to international of buoyage was reached was never ratified The Agreement marks or Lateral systems. at Geneva in In 1957 the, the then,

in the crowded waters

of North Western International [IALA] of the was

drawn up under the auspices

Association formed lighthouse

due to the proposed marks but and It provided

Lighthouse to support conferences Attempts Fresh

Authorities goals

in order

War II.

technical

which had been convening complete given

since 1929. success. IALA

them into two different the colour

for the use of the colour largely reserved

red on port hand marks green for wreck

to bring

unity had little to the task

marking.

impetus

was

of the

03

International

Association

of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

Technical wrecks situated

Committee,

by a series

of

disastrous scheme,

the need for co-operation tries and with Hydrographic of the new System.

between neighbouring

coun-

in the Dover Strait area in 1971. These wrecks, in one lane of a traffic by mariners. separation to mark them in a way that could be

Services in the introduction

defied all attempts readily understood

FROM 2010
There were three basic issues to address: i) ii] the need to retain possible existing equipment as far as Although in the the 1970s, Maritime after the Buoyage 2006 System IALA [MBS) has in to avoid undue expense green and red rules. channels served the maritime Shanghai, further To meet the conflicting using the colour channels the starboard requirements, it was thought two systems, one Worldwide principles well consultation revealed that the fundamental be retained. However, practices and patterns, as developments, of the MBS should community well since its inception Conference

the need to define how the colours were to be used when marking Lateral

China, it was decided to review the system in in the navigation of electronic environment and the aids to navigation.

iiil the need to combine

and Cardinal

light of changes

development

necessary as a first step to formulate and the other hand

red to mark the port hand side of the using the colour of channels. red to mark These were side

due to changes in navigation as innovations some enhancements Ideally, principle, Members the aim towards through consistent a unified

and technological

called System A and System B, respectively. The rules for System A. which and lateral System gradually by the International was spread Maritime in throughout included both cardinal [IMO) The its use has New

to the MBS were needed. marking arrangement would, detrimental However, safety, can with advances such as In

marks, were completed introduced

in 1976 and agreed

be desirable

for Regions A and B. All IALA unachievable. navigational system

Organization 1977 and Europe,

view this change as impractical, of improving a global adoption lighting

to safety, and probably

Australia,

Zealand, Africa, the Gulf and some Asian Countries.

unified of common rhythms,

be achieved

characteristics, on port

and starboard

FROM 1980
The rules for System These were considered North, Central Korea and Philippines. The rules for the two Systems were so similar IALA Executive two sets Maritime allows regions Committee into System". Authorities of rules Buoyage Lighthouse one, known that the the IALA B were completed to be suitable in early 1980. in of

hand marks

regardless

of region. in the 2010 revision are used for marking additional to the This is aimed at of aids to navithe Emergency of other marks will aids to radio the are

The most significant the inclusion recommended buoyage system providing gation Wreck and

changes that

for application Japan, Republic

of aids to navigation by IALA previously included.

and South America,

a more complete Buoy,

description It includes

that may be used. Marking specifically integration provided provided

was able to combine as "The This single on a regional

descriptions excluded of electronic

navigation, the transmission. changes emerging marks

from the original MBS, via

set of rules basis; the two

the choice of using red

With regards by this

to aids to navigation, revision allow

to port or red to starboard,

for the

being known as Region A and Region B. convened by IALA in November the [IHOl. 1980

e-Navigation

concept

to be based upon the

by this booklet. Buoyage System will continue anywhere in the world, fear of without

At a Conference with the Hydrographic Authorities of nine

assistance

of IMO and

International Lighthouse with of the on a

Thus, the IALA Maritime to help all Mariners, to fix their ambiguity, Continuity Marking authorities. position

Organization from 50 countries

navigating

and the representatives concerned

and avoid dangers

International

Organisations System.

now and for the years to come. and harmonization of Aids to Navigation by all competent maritime

aids to navigation the new combined

met and agreed to adopt the rules of The boundaries is to be encouraged

buoyage regions were also decided and illustrated map annexed to the rules. The Conference

underlined

Maritime Historical

Buoyage System Background

04

----------------------------------------~~

GeneraL principLes of the System

The responsibility for safe navigation resides with the mariner, through the appropriate use of aids to navigation in conjunction with official nautical documents and prudent seamanship, including voyage planning as defined in IMO Resolutions. This booklet provides guidance on the Maritime Buoyage System and other aids to navigation for all users. The IALA Aids to Navigation system has two components: The Maritime Buoyage System and other aids to navigation comprised of fixed and floating devices. This is primarily a physical system, however all of the marks may be complemented by electronic means. Within the Maritime Buoyage System there are six types of marks, which may be used alone or in combination. The mariner can distinguish between these marks by identifiable characteristics. Lateral marks differ between Buoyage Regions A and B, as described below, whereas the other five types of marks are common to both regions. These marks are described below:

LATERAL MARKS
Following buoyaqe. denote the sense lateral the port of a 'conventional in Region starboard direction of An aide-memoire regarding the black bandlsl: to their

Cardinal colouring

Marks [continued) is provided to the positions by of

marks and

A utilize sides

red and

the top-marks

as pointers

green colours respectively. these colours green to port. A modified

[refer to section

2.4) by day and night to of channels

However, in Region B [refer to section 2.5) are reversed with red to starboard and

North:
Top-marks pointing upward: band; black band above yellow

lateral that

mark divides

may

be

used

at route

the or

South:
Top-marks pointing downward: black band below yellow band;

point where a channel ferred channel authority. channel, that

to distinguish by the

the precompetent

is to say the primary

is so designated

East: Top-marks

pointing

away from each other:

CARDINAL MARKS
Cardinal marks indicate that the deepest water for example, The mariner consult a North in the mark but

black bands above and below a yellow band;

area lies to the named side of the mark. is necessary even though water may have navigable safe further Cardinal normally to the North,

This convention

West: Top-marks

pointing

towards

each other:

black band with yellow Cardinal white varying

bands above and below.

not only to the North the chart

also East and West of it. guidance

will know it is for

marks also have a special system of flashing The rhythms are basically phase. all

but shall

lights. lengths

"very
into

quick" [VOl or "quick" [0) flashing

of the flashing shape but are painted in

but broken

"Very quick

marks do not have a distinctive pillar or spar.

They are always are always black.

yellow and black horizontal double cone top-marks

bands and their distinctive

flashing" is defined as a light flashing at a rate of either 120 or 100 flashes per minute, "quick flashing" is a light flashing at either 60 or 50 flashes per
minute.

05

International

Association

of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

The characters be as follows:

used for Cardinal

marks will be seen to

lights,

if any, are white using isophase,

occulting,

one

long flash or Morse "A" [.-) rhythms.

SPECIAL MARKS ..................................................................................................................

North: Continuous very quick flashing or "quick" or quick flashing; flashes followed by Special or reference obstructions quick" or "quick" flashes followed alternatives. Special or "quick" flashes followed by marks are yellow. and any light They may carry a yellow used is also yellow. between To yellow and by a long flash, then darkness; marks are used nature to indicate may a special area from or

East: Three "very quick" darkness;

feature

whose to a chart where

be apparent nautical provides

or other intended the MBS

publication. suitable

They are not generally

to mark channels

South: Six "very immediately

West: Nine "very quick" darkness.

"X" top-mark,

avoid the possibility of three, six, nine is easily remembered it with a clock face. The long Their shape will marks. located cylindrical be lettered of not less than that three be flashes cannot

of confusion

white in poor visibility, the yellow lights of Special marks The concept when flash, defined 2 seconds, or nine mistaken "very do not have any of the rhythms not conflict used for white lights. with that of navigational that a special Special marks buoy may may be one associates is merely quick" for six.

as a light appearance a device or "quick"

to ensure

This means, on the port

for example,

hand side of a channel

but will not be conical. or numbered, to indicate

and may also include the use their purpose using the IHO

It will be observed that two other marks use white lights; Isolated Danger marks and Safe Water marks. Each has a distinctive light rhythm that cannot be confused with the very quick or quick flashing light of the Cardinal marks.

of a pictogram symbology

where appropriate.

.~A~~~.~~ .. ~.~W. .. ~A~.~.~.~.~

"New natural nautical indicated Dangers" documents
IS

.
hazards, in the be

ISOLATED DANGER MARKS

The Isolated Danger mark is placed on, or near to a

are

newly

discovered

or man-made,

that may not yet be shown and publications, promulgated, and until should

danger that has navigable water all around it. Because the extent of the danger and the safe passing distance cannot be specified and nautical Marks red for all circumstances for with Group in which this the chart Isolated broad black marks mark may be used, the mariner publications are black and bands. Danger horizontal spherical lights, serve shall consult guidance. one or double Danger

information by:

sufficiently

marking or equally

a new danger Cardinal,

using

appropriate

marks

such as; Lateral,

Isolated

Danger marks.

more

Distinctive Isolated

using the Emergency

Wreck Marking

Buoy [EWMB)

top-marks marks.

flashing

[2) white If the competent authority considers the risk to navigation to be especially be duplicated. high at least one of the marks should

to distinguish

from Cardinal

SAFE WATER MARKS ..................................................................................................................

The The Safe Water mark has navigable water all around it, but does not mark a danger. Safe Water marks can be used, or landfall marks. different or for example, as fairway, mid-channel Safe from stripes Water danger marks marking pillar have an Emergency vertical Wreck stripes Marking in equal cross Buoy has blue with a and and yellow displays Marking coded number, top-mark, light. use of a Racon transmitting as an systems

vertical/perpendicular

yellow

a blue and yellow alternating of a new danger Morse "0" may include identification

appearance

buoys.

They are spherical, top-mark.

l- ) or other [AIS as an AtoNI.

radio

alternatively

or spar with red and white vertical red spherical Their

device such as automatic Aid to Navigation

and a single

Maritime Marks

Buoyage System

06

---~

Marking of a new danger may be discontinued appropriate information competent concerning Authority is the "New Danger"

when the that

Leading with

lines / Ranges allow along a portion

ships to be guided of a straight [leading route lights)

satisfied

precision

has been suf-

using the alignment or marks directional [leading

of fixed lights marksl.

ficiently promulgated

or the danger has been resolved.

in some cases a single

light may used. aids include lightvessels, intended light floats to mark

OTHER MARKS
Other lights, marks. navigation regarding Marks leading These include visual limits beacons and/or lighthouses, marks are beacons, intended sector to aid Auxiliary assist include Lighthouses, different and other aids of lesser usually indicate ranges are fixed aids to navigation colours rhythms that may display over designated Marks navigation of defined are those or other marks used to These that are do not provide information. significance and otherwise lines, major floating aids, and auxiliary not necessarily Major floating and large approaches navigational buoys

from off shore.

as information channel

to mariners, or obstructions.

aids of non-lateral channels

the port and starboard as well for navigational Harbour lights, Marks traffic

sides of the route used to convey

to be followed information

as those safety . such signals,

arcs. Beacons may also be unlighted. Sector rhythms lights display different arcs. information colours and/or

over designated

Port

or

as

breakwater, marking [further

quay/jetty and inland described

bridge

The colour of the light provides directional to the mariner.

waterways

aids to navigation

in section 8.71

Vn

SOlAS

CHAP.iT1ER ",
13 - C.onsolidated
- I I

Regulation

.... ~.~~~.b..l.~.~.~.~~.~~ .. ~~.~ .. ~.p~r~.~.~.~.~ .. ~~ .. ~.!.~.~ .. ~.~ .~ . .~~.i.g~.~.!.~.~ , ,.

1. Each Contracting practical other Contracting of traffic justifies Government either Governments, undertakes individually to provide, as it deems with as the volume

and necessary,

or in co-operation

such aids to navigation

and the degree of risk requires. possible uniformity in aids to navigation, such aids. relating adversely notice

2.

In order to obtain the greatest Contracting Governments recommendations

undertake to take into account the international

and quidelines" when establishing undertake to arrange systems

3.

Contracting

Governments

for information which could

to aids to navigation the transmissions far as possible

to be made available of position-fixing of receivers

to all concerned.

Changes in

affect the performance has been promulgated.

Refer to the appropriate Maritime

fitted in ships shall be avoided as after timely and adequate

and only be effected

Recommendations

and guidelines

of tALA and to SN/Circ.l07,

Buoyage System.

07

International

Association

of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

~~----------------------------

RULES
1.GENERAL
1.1 Scope
The Maritime navigation floating Buoyage System that and other apply to all aids to fixed, provide rules

1.2.2 Cardinal marks, used in conjunction

mariner's mariner compass, to indicate may find navigable water. Danger marks to indicate

with the the

where

and electronic

marks serving to indicate:

1.2.3 Isolated
dangers

isolated

1.1.1 The latera llim its of navigable chan nels. 1.1.2 Natural
dangers and other obstructions

of limited

size that have navigable

water all around them.

such as wrecks.

1.2.4 Safe Water marks

navigable water e.g. mid-channel

to indicate all around marks.

that there their

IS

1.1.3 Landfall.
features

course to steer, and other areas or of importance to the mariner.

position,

1.1.4 New dangers. 1.2 Types of marks

A Mark Mariner navigation is defined to convey provide as a signal guidance System available and other types to the aids to in safe navigation. of marks

1.2.5 Special marks to indicate an area or feature

referred generally obstructions. to in nautical documents, channels not or intended to mark

1.2.6 Other marks used to provide information

assist navigation.

to

The Maritime

Buoyage

the following

that may be used in combination:

1.3 Method of characterising marks

with defined the port to be a to divides, be Lateral used marks a The significance of the mark depends upon one or features: of light and/or more of the following

1.2.1 Lateral marks, "conventional

generally channels. and followed. modified indicate differ described

used in conjunction

direction
for marks

of
well indicate

buoyaqe",

employed These Where lateral the preferred Buoyage sides mark

1.3.1 By night, colour and rhythm

illumination enhancement.

starboard

of the may

route

1.3.2 By day, colour, shape, top-mark,

[including colour and rhythm]. [digital] to physical [digital] symbology, marks.

and/or light

a channel route.

1.3.3 By electronic
complement

e.g. as a

between

Regions A and Bas 2 and 8.

in MBS Sections

1.3.4 By electronic

symbology

solely.

D
I--

I-

Maritime Rules

Buoyage System

08

~2. LATERAL MARKS

.

2.1 Definition of 'conventional The must 'conventional be indicated direction

direction of buoyage' of buoyaqe, nautical which charts

2.3

General Rules for Lateral 2.3.1 Colour The colour Sections 2.3.2 Shapes Lateral conical marks shape. should of lateral

Marks

in appropriate

and documents,

may be either: direction taken by the mariner river, estuary or proper it

marks

must

comply In

with the IALA MBS Regions as specified 2.4 and 2.5.

2.1.1 The general

when approaching or other waterway 2.1.2 The direction

a harbour,

from seaward,

determined countries.

by the

be of cylindrical

and

authority should

in consultation, follow a clockwise

where appropriate, In principle, direction around 2.3.3

However, where they do not shape for identification, practicable, carry the where

with neighbouring land masses.

rely on a distinctive they should, appropriate Numbering topmark.

or lettering

2.2

Buoyage Regions 2.2.1 There are two international divisions Buoyage marks differ. of these map on Regions A and B, where lateral The current the centrefold geographical

If marks at the sides of a channel are numbered or lettered, shall follow the buoyaqe protocol numbers the numbering 'conventional lateral or lettering direction of The

i.e. numbered for numbering

from seaward.

two Regions are shown on the world of this booklet.

marks, espeon green'.

cially in confined waterways,

should be 'even

on red - odd numbers

2.3.4 Synchronisation If appropriate, synchronised lights [all flash lights [flash of both

at the same time) or sequential one after another) may be utilized.

or a combination

o
09
International of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Association Authorities

2.4

Description

of Lateral

Marks used in Region A

Colour Shape of buoy Topmark (if any) Light (when fitted) Colour Rhythm

wZ
4:1-

l?Q

>-u Ow ~a::

!Do

2.4.1 Port hand Marks

2.4.2 Starboard

hand Marks

Red Cylindricalleanl. pillar or spar Single red cylinder lean)

Green Conical, pillar or spar Single green cone, point upward

Red Any, other than that described in section 2.4.3.

Green Any, other than that described in section 2.4.3.

2.4.3

At the point where a preferred channel

a channel divides, when proceeding in the "conventional direction of buoyaqe." may be indicated by a modified Port or Starboard lateral mark as follows:

2.4.3.1 Colour Shape of buoy Topmark (if any) Light (when fitted)

wZ
>-u Ow ~a::
4:1-

l?Q

!Do

Preferred

channel

to Starboard

2.4.3.2

Preferred

channel

to Port

Red with one broad green horizontal Cylindricalleanl. pillar or spar Single red cylinder lean)

band

Green with one broad red horizontal Conical, pillar or spar Single green cone, point upward

band

Colour
Rhythm

Red Composite group flashing 12 + 1)

Green Composite group flashing 12 + 1)

Maritime Marks

Buoyage System

10

----~

2.5

Description

of Lateral

Marks used in Region 8

WZ l?Q

f-

>-0 ow :Jet: elliS

2.5.1 Port hand Marks Colour Shape of buoy Topmark (if any) Light (when fitted) Colour Rhythm Green Any, other than that described in section 2.5.3. Green Cylindrical lcanl, pillar or spar

2.5.2 Starboard Red

hand Marks

Conical, pillar or spar Single red cone, point upward

Single green cylinder lean]

Red Any, other than that described In section 2.5.3.

2.5.3

At the point where preferred channel

a channel

divides.

when

proceeding

in the "conventional lateral

direction

of buoyaqe.'

may be indicated

by a modified

Port or Starboard

mark as follows:

2.5.3.1 Colour Shape of buoy Topmark (if any) Light (when fitted) Colour Rhythm Green

Preferred channel to Starboard band 2.5.3.2 Preferred channel to Port band

Green with one broad red horizontal Cylindrical lcanl, pillar or spar

Red with one broad green horizontal Conical, pillar or spar Single red cone, point upward

Single green cylinder

Icanl

Red Composite group flashing [2 + 11

Composite group flashing [2 + 11

11

International of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse

Association Authorities

IALA/AISM MARITI
Buoyage R
140W 100W

sow

20W

60'N

,r

55N
0

Q)

~
0

.~
Q) 3O'N

-.

io

B
100N

C')

io

5N
o

30'S

B A
0

~
0 C\J r-

B
...

~
0

0 C\J

so'S

180

140W

100W

sow

20W

Information

believed

to be correct at time of issue by IALA (March 2010)

Not to be used for navigation Users should consult current nautical publications for latest status

E BUOYAGE SYSTEM
gions A and B
2O'E 6O'E 100'E 140'E 180'

A
C Q) 30'N

cu o

1------J----+----~~-_+_-____7_---~~_t=__J:_j~~;:__+__-----+0

A
~-_4+-~~---~-----_+--~-~~-~~-~-+~~

A
~--+------~-----_+-----~f__-----+60~

20'E

60'E

100'E

140'E

180'

_ _

RegionA RegionS

~f-------

L~.~ .. ~~.RDINAL

MARKS
and marks NW-NE, NE-SE, SE-SW, and

3.1 Definition of Cardinal quadrants The four quadrants [North.

East, South and West] are bounded by the true bearings

SW-NW, taken from the point of interest. 3.1.1 A Cardinal mark is named after the quadrant mark indicates in which it is placed be passed to the named side of the mark.

3.1.2 The name of a Cardinal 3.1.3 The Cardinal marks

that it should

in Region A and Region B, and their use, are the same.

3.2 Use of Cardinal Marks A Cardinal mark may be used, for example: that the deepest water in that area is on the named side of the mark.

3.2.1 To indicate 3.2.2 To indicate

the safe side on which to pass a danger. to a feature in a channel such as a bend, a junction, before establishing a bifurcation or the end of a shoal. marks in a water-

3.2.3 To draw attention 3.2.4 Competent

authorities

should consider

carefully

too many cardinal

way or area as this can lead to confusion, 3.3 Description of Cardinal Marks

given their white lights of similar

characteristics.

3.3.1 North Cardinal

Mark

3.3.2 East Cardinal

Mark

Toprnark'"
CoLour Shape of buoys Light (when fitted) CoLour Rhythm

2 black cones, one above the other, points upward Black above yellow Pillar or spar

2 black cones, one above the other, base to base Black with a single broad horizontal yellow band Pillar or spar

White VQ or Q

White VQ(3] every 5s or Q(3] every 10s

3.3.3 South Cardinal

Mark

3.3.4 West Cardinal

Mark

Toprnark'"
CoLour Shape of buoys Light (when fitted) CoLour Rhythm

2 black cones, one above the other, points downward Yellow above black Pillar or spar

2 black cones, one above the other, point to point Yellow with a single broad horizontal black band Pillar or spar

White VQ(6] + Long flash every 10s or Q(6] + Long flash every 15s
is a very important

White VQ(9] every 1Os or Q(9] every 15s

Note

1.1 :

The double cone top-mark practicable

feature of every Cardinal mark by day, and should be used wherever between the cones.

and be as large as possible with a clear separation

Maritime Marks

Buoyage System

14

----~

NW

111111111111111111111111111111111

NE

111111111

POINT OF INTEREST

!H
III III III

!"
III

HHH!H
111111111

HHH!!!

SW

SE

15

International

Association

of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

~~-----------------------------------------

L~.~ ... ~.~.~LATED DANGER

MARKS

5. SAFE WATER MARKS

4.1 Definition An isolated of IsoLated Danger

Marks on, or danger which has 5.1 Definition Safe Water

oA
of Safe Water marks Danger mark is a mark erected it. moored on or above, an isolated navigable water all around mark may also port entrance, or estuary The light rhythm 4.2 Description of IsoLated Danger Marks 5.2 Description Description CoLour Black with one or more broad horizontal red bands Optional, but not conflicting with lateral marks; pillar or spar preferred Two black spheres, one above the other Colour Shape of buoy

Marks

that there is These include marks. Such a channel or landfall.

serve to indicate

navigable water all round the mark. centre line marks and mid-channel be used to

indicate

approach,

may also be used to indicate best

point of passage under bridges.

of Safe Water Marks

Description Red and white vertical stripes Spherical; pillar or spar with spherical top mark Single red sphere

Shape of buoy

Top-mark Top-mark
101

(if any)

Light (when fitted) Colour White Isophase, occulting, one long flash every 10s or Morse 'K

Light (when fitted) Colour Rhythm White Group flashing [2)

Rhythm

Note

101 :

The double sphere topmark is a very important feature of every Isolated Danger mark by day, and should be used wherever practicable and be as large as possible with a clear separation between the spheres.

Maritime Buoyage System Marks

16

----------------------------------------~~

...................

: 6. SPECIAL MARKS

6.1 Definition Marks whose not or

of Special Marks a special area or feature from mark marks reference They are channels are more may be apparent nautical intended where to other
/ ( 'I

---SHAPE OPTIONAL USE OF PICTQGRAMS

AUTHORISED

used to indicate nature generally or other

to a chart

publication.

obstructions

l,~
6.2 Description

j
of Special Marks

suitable. Some examples 6.1.1 marks. 6.1.2 Traffic separation marks where use of conventional channel marking confusion. 6.1.3 6.1.4 6.1.5 6.1.6 6.1.7 6.1.8 Spoil Ground marks. Military exercise zone marks. marks. may cause Colour Shape of buoy of uses of Special Marks Systems [ODASi Description Yellow Optional. but not conflicting with lateral marks Single yellow "X" shape

Ocean Data Acquisition

Top-mark (if any) Light (when fitted) Colour areas renewable Pictogram Rhythm

Cable or pipeline Recreation Boundaries Structures

Yellow Any. other than those reserved for cardinal. isolated danger and safe water marks. The use of pictograms is authorized. as defined by a competent authority.

zone marks. of anchorage

such as offshore

energy installations 6.1.9 Aquaculture

i..!..~ ...~~RKING
discovered documents. occurring

NEW DANGERS
is used to describe yet such shown include newly

7.1 Definition of New Dangers The term "New Danger" hazards 'New obstructions not in nautical naturally or

Dangers' dangers

as sandbanks

rocks or man-made

such as wrecks.

7.2 Marking of New Dangers 7.2.1 'New Dangers' using Lateral, Buoy. should Cardinal, be appropriately Isolated considers marked Danger marks the risk to

or by using the Emergency If the Authority should navigation the marks 7.2.2 to be especially

Wreck Marking high, at least one of

be duplicated.

If using a Lateral lighted mark for this purpose a VQ or Q light character shall be used.

7.2.3

Any duplicate partner

mark shall be identical

to its

in all respects. by a Racon. coded

7.2.4

In addition it may be marked Morse "'0"'[- j In addition it may be marked

7.2.5

by other electronic system

means, such as automatic [AIS as an AtoNl. 7.2.6 Virtual Aids to Navigation

identification

may be deployed solely

or in addition to physical Aids to Navigation. 7.2.7 The marking information otherwise of the new danger may be removed Authority is satisfied that concerning resolved. the "New Danger" or the danger

when the competent has been sufficiently

promulgated

7.3 Description

of New Dangers Marks

Description Blue/Yellow vertical stripes in equal number dimensions [minimum 4 stripes and maximum 8J Pillar or spar Vertical/perpendicular Yellow cross

Colour

Shape of buoy Top-mark [if any] Light Colour

Yellow/blue

alternating

Rhythm

One second of blue light and one second of yellow light with 0.5 sec. of darkness between

Maritime Marks

Buoyage System

18

-------------------------------------------~

~8. OTHER MARKS

...................

8.1 Leading Lines/Ranges

8.2 Sector Lights

8.1.1

Definition of Leading Lines/Ranges A group of two or more marks in the same vertical navigator same bearing. can follow the leading or lights, line on the

8.2.1

Definition of Sector Lights A sector light is a fixed aid to navigation that displays and/or a light of different over designated colours arcs. The rhythms

plane such that the

colour of the light provides directional information 8.2.2 to the mariner.

8.1.2

Description Leading

of Leading Lines can be any colour a distinctive mark with adjacent

Line structures

Description of Sector Lights A sector light may be used: To provide directional information in a fairway; To indicate navigational To provide that should a turning point, a junction with other channels, a hazard or other items of on hazard directional areas light

or shape that provides that cannot be confused structu res.

Description No colour significance. Competent authority determines the optimum colours to contrast with the dominant background colour at the location No shape significance. Rectangular or triangular are recommended. figures Colour Shape Any colour. Competent authority determines the optimum colour to contrast with the dominant back ground colour at the location. Any, however fixed characteristics should be used sparingly and the use of synchronisation can assist in the overcoming background light Light

importance; information be avoided;

.In some

cases a single

Colour

may be used.

Shape

Description Not applicable None, light only

Light (when fitted)

Colour

Colour Rhythm

If using to mark channel limits follow convention for IALA region indicated in Section 2. Lights may have oscillating boundaries As appropriate

Rhythm

19

International

Association

of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

~~-----------------------------------------

8.3 Lighthouses

8.4 Beacons

8.3.1

Definition of a Lighthouse A lighthouse geographical is a tower, or substantial erected at a designated to carry a signal light daymark. It range light for location

8.4.1

Definition of a Beacon A fixed man-made be recognised topmark, tion of these. navigation mark that can or a combina-

building or structure,

by its shape, colour, pattern,

or light character,

and provides a significant provides a long or medium identification 8.3.2 Description by night.

8.4.2

Description of a Beacon

e Can
for other AtoN navigation. by day. A

carry

a signal a light

light and in this case beacon or lighted an

of a Lighthouse

is termed beacon;

It may provide a platform Navigation lighthouse a daymark

such as DGNSS, Racon or AIS as an Aid to to assist marine is a structure for identification that may provide

elf not fitted with a light it is termed

unlighted eAs or unlit beacon and only a day mark; a leading line/range

provides

or conspicuous

A sector light may also be incorporated into the structure.

radar mark;

elt may also carry a topmark.

Description Description Colour Colour/Shape Lighthouse structures can be of any colour, shape, or material generally designed to provide a distinctive daymark. Shape Topmark (if any) Any As appropriate, mark As appropriate including cardinal

Light Colour Rhythm White, Red, or Green Any number of flashes, isophase or occulting or as appropriate, to allow light to be readily identifiable.

Light (when fitted) Colour Rhythm White, Red, or Green As appropriate

Maritime Marks

Buoyage System

20

8.5 Major Floating Aids

8.6 Auxiliary

Marks

8.5.1

Definition of Major Floating Aids Major floating aids include lightvessels, buoys.
INFORMATION OPTIONAL

light floats and large navigational 8.5.2 Description

of Major Floating Aids aids are generally intended deployed 8.6.1 Definition of Auxiliary Marks Minor aids that have not been previously

Major floating at critical approaches shipping Navigation

locations, traffic

to mark are high. It 8.6.2

from offshore

areas, where

described.

concentrations

may provide a platform to Navigation

for other Aids to Description of Auxiliary Marks These marks are usually outside of defined channels and generally or obstructions do not indicate the to be avoided. port and starboard followed - predominantly red They also include convey information safety. other navigational promulgated and documents. within
:

such as, Racon or AIS as an Aid to assist marine navigation.

Description Colour Shape As appropriate

sides of the route to be those marks used to related to navigation marks and shall be nautical charts be mark is available
.

Vessel or buoy shape with light tower

These marks shall not conflict with in appropriate

Light (when fitted) including off station lights Colour Rhythm As appropriate As appropriate

Should not generally

used if a more appropriate the MBS .

........................................................................................................................

8.7 Port or Harbour Mariners marking

Marks Local Aids to Navigation of: signals; may include, but not be

should be careful to take account of any local measures that may be in place and will often or by-laws. first time, of local Before mariners marking

restricted

to, marking

be covered transiting should

by Local Regulations an area for the

breakwaters,

quays and jetties;

bridges and traffic

make

themselves

aware

leisure areas. and other rivers, channels, canals, locks and waterways marked within the responsibilities of competent authorities.

arrangements.

L!.~ ... ~.~.~ARECOMMENDATIONS

IALA Recommendations the marks authorized and Guidelines

AND GUIDELINES
provide information on planning, operating, managing, and implementing at: www.iala-aism.org.

by the MBS and can be found via the IALA website

1.

21

International of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse

Association Authorities

 J.

Racon 0

-"1..

New Wreck

::1.

REGION A - by d ay
~

referred Channel Secondary Channel

M Raritime eqron A

Buoyage System

22

Racon 0

---1...

New Wreck

:0..

REGION B - by day
Preferred Channel Secondary Channel

-+ -+

23

Maritime

BUOya-~-~--~~~;~~Region B