Navigation and Seamanship

4.3.5.1. Lateral Marks

Lateral marks – To indicate navigable channels

Generally used for well defined channels. These marks indicate the port and starboard sides of the route to be followed. The location of lateral buoys defines the borders of channels and indicates the direction.

Region A (Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Gulf and Asian countries)

They follow red colour buoy to port side and green colour to star board sides of channels.

Region B (North, Central and South America, Japan, Korea and the Phillippines)

They follow red colour buoy to port side and green colour to star board side green to port side. Under IALA A red buoys mark the port side of the channel when returning from sea, whereas under IALA B green buoys mark the port side of the channel when sailing towards land.

The general direction taken by the mariner when approaching a harbour river, estuary or other waterway from seaward.

Port mark

Meaning: when travelling upstream, leave port hand marks on your port side. When travelling downstream, leave port hand marks on your starboard side.

Colour: red.

Top mark: can shape

Light: a red light may be shown..

Starboard mark

Meaning: w hen travelling upstream, leave starboard hand marks on your starboard side. When travelling downstream, leave starboard hand marks on your port side.

Colour: Green

Top mark: cone shape.

Light: a green light may be shown