Navigate the High Seas with Confidence: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Buoyage

As the saying goes, ‘know the ropes and you’ll sail a boat, know the buoys and you’ll navigate the sea.’ Jon Mendez, a veteran sailor and boating enthusiast, shares his insights on understanding buoyage to reassure either first-time sailers or seasoned voyagers.

Buoyage is a universal language for seafarers and knowing how to interpret and use it is crucial for safe navigation. Countries typically adopt either inland or coastal systems, with the former usually starting beyond the first sea lock. The coastal systems, however, are further divided into IALA A and B systems. The differentiation lies primarily in the color of the marks, while the shapes generally remain consistent.

System A, encompassing much of Europe, Australia and New Zealand, adopts the opposite color convention, with red pillar or can-shaped buoys on the port side and green cones on starboard, both illuminated with matching colors at night. An easy mnemonic for remembering this is that when your boat’s port and starboard navigation lights match the buoyage, you’re making an inbound journey into a port.

Both systems employ safe water marks and isolated danger marks. These are crucial for avoiding hazards while at sea, indicated by their distinct colors and shapes during the day, and their unique light sequences at night. Studying these light sequences is absolutely imperative for those venturing out after dark.

Sailing is a dance between the wind and the water, but buoyage is the choreographer that makes sure no one misses a step. Confidently navigate your way to your next sailing adventure by mastering its intricacies and codes.