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General information
7
3. In a narrow channel, a sailing vessel
should not hamper the safe passage of a
power-driven vessel which can navigate
only in such a channel.
Reading buoys and other markers
The waters of the United states are marked
for safe navigation by the lateral system of
buoyage. Simply put, buoys and markers
have an arrangement of shapes, colors, num-
bers and lights to show which side of the buoy
a boater should pass on when navigating in a
particular direction. The markings on these
buoys are oriented from the perspective of be-
ing entered from seaward (the boater is going
towards the port). This means that red buoys
are passed on the starboard (right) side when
proceeding from open water into port, and
black buoys are to port (left) side. When navi-
gating out of port, your position with respect to
the buoys should be reversed; red buoys
should be to port and black buoys to star-
board.
Many bodies of water used by boaters are en-
tirely within the boundaries of a particular
state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking
System has been devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with dis-
tinctive shapes and colors to show regulatory
or advisory information. These markers are
white with black letters and orange boarders.
They signify speed zones, restricted areas,
danger areas, and general information.
Remember, markings may vary by geograph-
ic location. Always consult local boating au-
thorities before driving your boat in unfamiliar
waters.
U6D610E0.book Page 7 Tuesday, April 20, 2004 1:52 PM