Navigation and Seamanship

4.3.3. Types of buoys

There are several types of buoys, each type designed to meet the requirements of certain specific conditions. All buoys serve as guides during day light, those having lights are also available for navigation at night, and those having sound signals are more readily located in times of fog or other conditions of reduced visibility.

The following are the principal types of buoys

1. Can buoy : The shape of can buoys is cylindrical. A buoy of steel plates with the portion above water having the shape of a tin can, flat on top when seen from a distance.

2. Spar Buoys: These are large logs, trimmed, shaped, and appropriately painted. Although the Coast Guard has now eliminated them, spar buoys may still be found in some foreign or private systems of aids.

3. Nun buoy: The shape of nun buoys is conical A buoy built of steel plates with the portion above water terminating in a cone with a rounded tip.