Reva. (7-02-2907 IALA MARITIME BUOYAGE SYSTEM Combined Cardinal and Lateral System (Red to Port in Region A and Red to Starboard in Region B) CONTENTS Introduction and description .... Lateral Marks Cardinal Marks Isolated Danger Marks Safe Water Marks ....... Special Marks a Emergency Wreck Marking Buoy DIAGRAMS Lateral Marks, Local and General Direction of Buoyage . 4 Buoyage Regions A and B.........0..eeeeseesereesee 5 Lateral Marks ~ Region A 6 Lateral Marks - Region B 7 Cardinal Marks 2... 9 Isolated Danger Marks 10 Safe Water Marks Stas Fate pull Special Marks... enter - — scaeall Chart Symbols and Abbreviations ‘hag z feo ate-l Region A - Example of Buoyage res cee Representation on charts . 4 Region B - Example of Buoyage 15 Representation on charts as, pear asters i 15 Emergency Wreck Marking Buoy Published at Taunton, United Kingdom wider the direction of Mr M S Robinson, Chief Executive ofthe United Kingdom Hydrographic Office Eaition 6 - 2006 © Crown Copyright 2006 /IALA MARITIME BUOYAGE SYSTEM INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION Introduction General information 7 The severest test of a buoyage system occurs when the Mariner is confronted unexpectedly at night or in low visibility by the lights marking an uncharted danger, such as a recent wreck; immediately he must instinctively, positively and correctly decide what he must do. In the Dover Strat in 1971 the Brandenburg struck the wreckage of the Texaco Caribbean and sank, though the wreckage was appropriately marked. A few ‘weeks later the wreckage, despite being marked by a ‘wreck-marking vessel and many buoys, was struck by the Niki, which also sank. A total of 51 lives was lost I was this disaster which gave rise to the development and implementation of the [ALA Maritime Buoyage System, The wreck of the Tricolor in the Dover Strait in 2002 highlighted once again the need to mark new dangers quickly and resulted inthe introduction, ona tral basis, of the Emergency Wreck Marking Buoy. For full details, see 7.1, Development 18, ‘The beginnings of a uniform system of buoyage emerged in 1889, when certain countries agreed to ‘mark the port hand side of channels with black can buoys and the starboard hand with red conical buoys, Unfortunately, when lights for buoys were introduced, some European countries placed red lights, ‘on the black port hand buoys to conform with the red lights marking the port hand side of harbour entrances, whilst throughout North America red lights were placed on the red starboard hand buoys. ‘Thereafter various conferences sought a single bbuoyage system, but without success until 1936, when ‘asystem was drawn up under the League of Nations at Geneva, Itestablished a Cardinal system, and a Lateral system, with the principle that red buoys should be used on the port hand and black buoys on the starboard hand. However, several countries were not signatories, to this Convention and continued to develop their original, and opposite systems. fier World War II (1939-45) buoyage systems were re-established in North-west Europe based on the system devised by the 1936 Geneva Convention, but wide differences in interpretation of that system resulted in nine different systems coming into use in those waters, In 1973, observing the need for urgency, a further attempt to find single world-wide system of buoyage was made by the Technical Committee of the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). IALA is a non-governmental body which brings together representatives from the aids to navigation services in order to exchange information and recommend improvements to navigational aids based on the latest technology. TALA decided that agreement could not be achieved immediately, but concluded that the use of only two alternative systems was practicable by dividing the world into two Regions. It proposed a system allowing. the use of both Cardinal and Lateral systems in each Region but, whereas in Region A the colour red of the Lateral system is used to mark the port hand side of channels and the colour green the starboard hand side ‘when proceeding in the conventional direction of buoyage, in Region B the colours are reversed. Implementation 19 In 1980, at a conference convened with the assistance of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), now the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Hydrographic Organization (THO), the lighthouse authorities from fifty countries and the representatives of nine international organizations ‘concerned with aids to navigation agreed to adopt the rules of the new combined system, and reached decisions on the buoyage Regions. ‘The TALA System has now been implemented throughout much of the world. In some parts, however, ‘conversion to the new system is still incomplete. In certain areas, such as North America and the inland waterways of Western Europe, the IALA ‘System is used with modifications which are described in Admiralty Sailing Directions. Alterations to charts 1.10 In the past, when replacement of an existing buoyage system by the IALA System involved extensive changes, careful preparations and announcements were made so that the charts affected, corrected up-to-date for both old and new systems, could be available during the period of change. However, whilst most major alterations of buoyage to the IALA System have now been completed, there are still some places where the buoyage does not conform to that System. Some ports will convert theif buoyage piecemeal and only when other buoyage changes make it convenient; others have’ yet to announce plans to conform to the IALA System.Progress towards completion of the change to the IALA System is, therefore, likely to be gradual, and notice of change, if given, is likely to be short. ‘When a system of buoyage is changed, however, corrections enabling charts to be kept up-to-date will be promulgated, as before, by the most appropriate ‘means, either by Notices to Mariners or by issuing New Exitions of affected charts. Description of the System Scope Ll ‘The System applies to all fixed and floating marks, other than lighthouses, sector lights, leading lights and marks, lanbys, certain large light-floats, and light-vessels. It serves to indicate: ‘Sides and centrelines of navigable channels; Navigable channels under fixed bridges; [Natural dangers and other obstructions such as dangerous wrecks (which are described as “New Dangers’ when newly discovered and uncharted); ‘ ‘Areas in which navigation may be subject to regulation; Other features of importance to the Mariner. Chart symbols and abbreviations La ‘To meet the needs of the [ALA Buoyage System, ‘new symbols and abbreviations, and altered ones, are being incorporated in Admiralty charts when they are corrected or reprinted foruse with the System. They are given in Chart 5011 - Symbols and Abbreviations used ‘on Admiralty Charts and illustrated in Diagrams 9, 10 and 11. Marks 113 Five types of mark are provided by the System: Lateral, Cardinal, Isolated Danger, Sale Water, and Special marks, They may be used in any combination. The way in which Cardinal and Lateral marks ean be ‘combined is illustrated in Diagrams'10 and 11. Most lighted and unlighted beacons, other than leading marks, ae included in the System. In general, beacon topmarks have the same shapes and colours as those used on buoys. Because of the variety of beacon structures, the accompanying diagrams show mainly buoy shapes. ‘Until 2006, permanent and semi-permanent wrecks were marked in the same way as other dangers; no ‘uniquetype of mark was reserved for them in the [ALA ‘System. In 2006 the Emergency Wreck Marking Buoy ‘was introduced on a tral basis. For further details, see 71. Colours Lid Red and green are reserved for Lateral marks, and yellow for Special marks. Black and yellow or black and red bands, or red and white stripes, are used for ‘other types of marks as described late. ty charts the shading of buoy symbols formerly used to indicate the colours of buoys is omitted. A black (ie filled-in) symbol is used for predominantly green marks and for all spar buoys and beacons; an open symbol is used for all buoys and beacon towers of other colours, but with a vertical line 1 indicate striped Safe Water buoys. ‘The abbreviated description of the colour, or colours, of a buoy is given under the symbol. ‘Where a buoy is coloured in horizontal bands the colours are indicated in sequence from the top, eg East, buoy - Black with yellow band ~ BYB. Ifthe sequence of the bands is not known, or if the buoy is striped vertically, the colours are indicated with the darker colour first eg Safe Water buoy - Red and white stripes - RW. Shapes 1.16 Five basic shapes were defined when the System was devised: Can, Conical, Spherical, Pilar and Spat. “To these must be added light-floats, as well as buoyant beacons (which are charted as light-beacons). ‘Variations in the basic shapes may be common for 8 number of years after the introduction of the IALA System to a particular locality, since much existing equipment will continue in use. ‘Can, conical and spherical buoys indicate by their shape the correct sie to pass. Marks that do not rely on their shape for identification carry the appropriate opmark whenever practicable. However, in some parts of the world, including US waters, light-buoys have identical shapes on both port and starboard hand sides of Laterally-marked channels, and are not fitted with topmarks. Also in US waters, a buoy with a conical or truncated conical top, known as a nun buoy, is used to ‘mark the starboard hand side ofthe channel 47 On Admiralty charts the symbol fora spar buoy is also used to indicate a spindle buoy. The symbol will, ‘as before, be sloped to distinguish it from a beacon symbol which is upright. Tt the shape of a buoy of the LALA System is not known, a pillar buoy symbol is used. See Chart SO11 ‘Topmarks 188 fi ‘Can, éonical, spherical and X-shaped topmarks are the only topmarks used. (On pillar and spar buoys the use of topmarks is, particularly important, though ice or severe weather may at times prevent it 119 . ‘On Admiralty charts topmarksareshown boldly in, solid black, except when the topmark is red, when itis in outline only. See Chart 5017,Lights 1.20 ‘Where marks are lighted, red and green lights ofthe IALA System are reserved for Lateral marks and yellow lights for Special marks. ‘White lights, distinguished one from another by their rhythm, are used for other types of mark. It is possible that some shore lights, specifically excluded from the IALA System may, by coincidence, have similar characteristics to those of the buoyage system. Care isneeded on sighting such lights that they are not misinterpreted Retroreflectors 121 ‘Two. codes, the Standard Code and the Comprehensive Code, are used for distinguishing unlighted marks at night by securing to them, in particular patterns, retroreflective material to reflect backlight. Inany specified area only one of the codes is used. The code in use will, if known, be mentioned in Admiralty Sailing Directions. Standard Code uses the following markings: Red lateral marks: Oneredhandorred shape similar to the topmark. Green Lateral One green band or green ‘marks: shape similar 10 the topmark. Preferred Channel As for red or green marks: Lateral marks, depending onthe dominant colour of the mark. Special marks: One yellow band, yellow X or yellow symbol, ‘One ormore white bands, Danger and Safe letters, numerals or ‘Water marks: symbols. ‘Comprehensive Code uses the same markings for Lateral and Special marks, but separate markings for Cardinal, Isolated distinguishing Cardinal, Isolated Danger and Safe ‘Water marks, which are given later in the descriptions of those marks, Radar reflectors 1.22 ‘On the introduction of the System itwas decided not to chart radar reflectors. It can be assumed that most ‘major buoys are fitted with radar reflectors. ‘New Dangers Defi 123 ‘A newly discovered hazard to navigation not yet shown on charts or included in Sailing Directions, not sufficiently promulgated by Notices to Mariners, is termed a New Danger. The term covers naturally ‘occurring obstructions such as sandbanks or rocks, and ‘man-made dangers such as wrecks. In 2006 the Emergency Wreck Marking Buoy was introduced on a trial basis, For further details, see 7.1. Marking 124 Cardinal or Lateral marks, one or more, are used to mark New Dangers in accordance with the [ALA System It the danger is especially grave atleast one of the marks willbe duplicated, as soon as practicable, by an identical mark, until the danger has been suficiently promulgated quick or very quicklight willbe exhibited froma New Danger mark if itis lighted. If i is « Cardinal mark, it will exhibit a white light, if Lateral mark, red ora green light Arracon, Morse code D, showing signal length of 1 nautical mile ona radar display, may be used to mark 4 New Danger. See Diagrams 10 and 11, LATERAL MARKS Use 24 Lateral marks are generally used for well defined channels, in conjunetion with 2 Conventional Direction of Buoyage. They indicate the port and starboard hand sides of the route to be followed, Conventional Direction of Buoyage 22 ‘The Conventional Direction of Buoyage is defined in one of two ways: Local Direction of Buoyage. The direction taken by the Mariner when approaching a harbour, river, estuary, or other waterway from seaward; General Direction of Buoyage. The direction determined by the buoyage authorities is le, on the principle of following a clockwise direction around ts and is usually given in Admiralty Sailing Directions and, if necessary, indicated con charts by the appropriate symbol, Diagram 1 illustrates how the General Direction gives way to the Local Direction atthe outer limit of the Thames Estuary: Around the British Isles the General Direction of ® Buoyage runs N along the W coast and through the Irish Sea; E through the English Channel and N through the North Sea,Local and General Direction of Buoyage (2.2) Diagram 1 23, ‘On Admiralty charts the Conventional Direction ‘of Buoyage may be indicated by magenta arrow symbols. ‘Insome strats (¢g Menai Strait and The Solent) and in the open sea (eg off the Irish coast at Malin Head) ‘where direction changes, attention is drawn to its reversal by magenta arrow symbols confronting each other. ‘On many coasts and in some strats, world-wide, ‘authorities have not yet established or promulgated General Direction of Buoyage. It is, therefore, not posible to chart the magenta symbol in ‘such areas. This could be hazardous if a New Danger were to be marked by Lateral buoys. 2 "The boundaries ofthe two Buoyage Regions, A and. B, inwhich the colours of Lateral marks and their lights are reversed, are shown in Diagram 2. Preferred Channels 28 ‘When proceeding inthe Conventional Direction of ‘Buoyage, at the point where a channel divides to form two alternative channels to the same destination, the Preferred Channel is indicated by a modified Lateral ‘mark. The System does not provide for a Preferred Channel mark where the two channels re-join, Colours 26 Red and green are the colours reserved for Lateral marks. Topmaris Port-hand marks carry can-shaped topmarks, and starboard-hand marks carry conical topmarks, when fitted. Lights 28 ‘When exhibited, red and green lights are used for Lateral marks. Lighted Lateral marks used for certain purposes have lights with specified rhythms: Composite Group Flashing (2+ 1) for Preferred ‘Channel marks; Quick or Very Quick for New Danger marks. ‘Other Lateral marks may have lights of any rhythm. ‘Sequence 295 If marks at the side of a channel are numbered or lettered, the sequence follows the Conventional Direction of Buoyage. Special marks 210 4 ‘Can and cone shapes coloured yellow may be used ‘as Special marks in conjunction with the Lateral marks for special types of channel! marking. See 6.1.z weibeiq pur y suorioy a8esong, oon 08 0bLIGHTS, when preferred channel The lateral co jaties LATERAL MARKS — REGION A PORT HAND Colour: Red. Shape: Can pillar o spar “Topmark (when fitted): Single red can Reroreflector: Red band or squat m4 amples are DIRECTION. OF BUOYAGE ted, may have any rhythm other than composite group flashin This diagram is schematic and in the case of pillar buoys in particular, their Features will vary with the individual design of the buoys in use STARBOARD HAND Colour: Green Shape: Conical, pillar or spar. Toopmark (when fitted); Single green cone point upward Retroreflector: Green band or triangle Ad (21) used on modified Lateral marks indicating a Red light Green light _— ‘Continuous-quick light EYYNYYYYYYY! | \—£ Single-flashing light Fc \—_— —\—_—_£ LLong-flashing light Group-flashing ight hh =. £102) jours ofredor green ar frequently used for minor shore lights, such as those marking pierheads and the extremities of PREFERRED CHANNELS [Atthe point where a channel divides, when proceeding in the conventional Preferred channel to starboard Colour: Red with one broad green band Shape: Can pillar or spa. “Topmark (when fitted): Single red can. Retrorefletor: Red band or square. : 1 xe <} ection of buoyage, a preferred channel is indicated by Preferred channel to port Colour: G ‘Shape: Conical, pillar or spa n with one broad red band, ‘Topmark (when fitted: Single green cone point upward Retroreflector: Green band or triangle A A DIRECTION gd Red light OF BUOYAGE a Green light (2:1) 7 EEE Composite group flashing (2+!) light 2-1) NOTE: Where port or starboard marks do not rely on can or conical buoy shapes for identification, they carry the appropriate topmark where practicable. If marks at the sides of a channel are numbered or lettered, “the number the conventional direction of buoyage. Special marks; with can and conical shapes but painted yellow, may be used in conjunction with the Hlandard Lateral marks for special types of channel marking; see 2.10. c Diagram 3 6LATERAL MARKS — REGION B ‘This diagram is schematic and in the case of pillar buoys in particular, their features will vary with the individual design of the buoys in use PORT HAND. STARBOARD HAND Colour: Green Colour: Red. Shape: Can, pillar or spar Shape: Conical, pillar or spar ‘Topmark (when fitted): Single green can, ‘Topmark (when fitted): Single red cone, point upward, Retroreflector: Gre en band-or square, Retroreflector: Red band o triangle a : eS A A ea! ad OF BUOYAGE LIGHTS, when fitted, may have any rhythm other than composite group flashing (2+1) used on modified Lateral marks indicating a preferred channel. Examples are: reen light Red light 26 Coctinwous-quck ight 0: (——— ‘Single-flashing light a Cz Long-lasting Hight el i az Group ashing it 2) ‘The lateral colours ofredor green are frequently used for minor shore lights, such as those marking pierheads and the Jets, PREFERRED CHANNELS Atte point where a channel divides, when proceeding inthe conventional direction of buoy: a preferred channel i indicated by Preferred channel to starboard Preferred channel to port ‘Colour: Green with one broad red band. ‘Colour: Red with one broad green band, Shape: Can, pillar or pa ‘Shape: Conical, pillar or spat. ‘Topmark (when fitted: Si ‘Topmark (when fitted: Single re Reworefleetor: Green band or square Retroreflector: Red ban of ta ‘cone point upward, t ' oxo) a A enc DIRECTION = ‘ OF BUOYAGE : Green light Red light A216 AEE Composite goup lashing 2+) ht A 2 5) NOTES Where port or starboard marks do not rely on can or or lettered, the’ numbering or lettering follows conical buoy shapes for identification, they carry the the conventional direction of buoyage. appropriate topmark where practicable. Special marks, with can and conical shapes but yee Painted yellow, may be used in conjunction with the Standard Lateral marks for special types of channel If marks at the sides of a channel are numbered marking: see 2.10. . Diagram 4 7CARDINAL MARKS. Names 31 Cardinal marks are used in conjunction with the ‘compass to indicate where the Mariner may find the bestnavigable water. They are placed inone ofthe four ‘quadrants (North, South, East and West) bounded by inter-cardinal bearings, from the point marked. Cardinal marks take their name from the quadrant in which they are placed ‘The Marinerissafe ithe passes N of North mark, E ‘of an East mark, S of a South mark and W of a West mark. Uses a ‘Cardinal marks may be used to: Indicate that the deepest water in an area ison the named side of the mark; Indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger; Draw attention to a feature ina channel such as a bend, junction, bifurcation, or end of a shoal. ‘Topmarks 33 Black double-cone topmarks area very important feature of Cardinal marks; they are carried whenever practicable, wth cones as large as possible and clearly separated. ‘The arrangement of the cones must be memorised. More difficultto remember than North & and South ¥ are East $ and West £ topmarks; ‘W for Wineglass’ may help. Colours 34 Blackand yellow bands are used to colour Cardinal ‘The position of the black band, or bands, isrelated to the points of the black topmark, thus: North Pointsup Black band above yellow band; South Points down Black band below yellow band; West Points inward Black band wit yellow bands above and below; East Points outward Black bands above and below yellow band. Shape 38 ‘The shape of Cardinal marks is not significant, but, inthe case of a buoy it sa pillar or spar. Lights 36 ‘White lights are exhibited from Cardinal marks which are lighted. Their characteristics are based on a group of quick or very quick flashes which distinguish them as Cardinal marks and indicate their quadrant. ‘The distinguishing quick or very quick rhythms are: North Uninterrupted; East 3 flashes in a group; South 6 flashes in a group followed by a long flash; West 9 flashes in a group. ‘To aid the memory, the number of flashes in each group can be associated with a clock face, thus: 3o'clock East; Go'clock South; Borclock West ‘The long flash (of not less than 2 seconds duration) immediately following the group of flashes of a South Cardinal mark, isto ensure that its 6 flashes cannot be mistaken for 3 oF 9. ‘The periods of the East, South and West lights are, respectively, 10, 15,and 15 secondsif quick light,and, 5, 10, and 10 seconds if a very quick light Quick lights lash ata rate between SO and 79 flashes per minute, usually either 50 or 60. Very quick lights flash ata rate between 80 and 159 flashes per minute, usually either 100 oF 120. Retroreflectors 37 One or more white bands, letters, numerals or symbols of retroreflective material are used in the Standard Code to distinguish unlighted Cardinal marks. Blue and yellow bands on the black and yellow parts of the mark are used in the Comprehensive Code, thus: North. Blue omthe black partand yellow on the yellow part; East 2 blue on the upper black part;* South Yellow on the yellow part and blue fon the black part; West yellow on the upper yellow part.CARDINAL MARKS Colour Black and Yellow Shape Pillar or spar (ita buoy) TTopmnark Two black cones. Retroreflector Blue and/or Yellow Qorva % Trerirervrvrrrrerrrn ye £2 es Q(9) or Vala) (3) o ree oS, A v POINT OF INTEREST, Retroreflector Retroreflector | | Ww e 4 Jf = A s agin stn & a eateries: eee : Pecunia ew ofthe Ts nan hat nd ih ce fie corres Cat Semi co ae marie riiftaeiet im cease oe LBS henley Oli Lis immediately following thequick flashes, e Diagram 5ISOLATED DANGER MARKS Colour Shape ‘Topmark Retroreflector Black and Red Pillar or spar (ia buoy) ‘Two black spheres Blue and Red Retrorefector ight (when fitted): White, + Group-flashing (2) ( F(2) NOTES fRetroreflectors, illustrated are those of the Comprehensive Code. In the Standard Code these marks are distinguished by one or more white bands, Tetters, numerals orsymbols. ‘This diagram is schematic and in the case of buoys in particular, their features will vary with the individual designof the buoysinuse. Diagram 6 Use Shape 41 45 Isolated Danger marks are erected on, of moored on orabove, isolated dangers of limited extent which have navigable water all around them. The extent of the surrounding navigable water is immaterial: such a ‘mark can, for example, indicate either a shoal which is well offshore, or an islet separated from the coast by a narrow channel. 42 (On Admiralty charts the posi centre of the symbol or sounding indi mofadanger isthe sating the danger. ‘The symbol indicating the Isolated Danger buoy will inevitably be slightly displaced. ‘Topmark 43, Black double-sphere topmarks, disposed vertically, are a very important feature of Isolated Danger marks and are carried whenever practicable. Colours 44 Black with one or more red bands are the colours used for Isolated Danger marks. 'No significance is attached to the shape of an Isolated Danger mark but, in the case of abuoy,eithera pillar or spar buoy is used ht 46 ‘A white flashing light showing a group of two flashes is used to denote an Isolated Danger mark. The association of two flashes and the two spheres in the topmark may help in remembering these characteristics. Retroreflectors 47 ‘One or more white bands, letters, numerals or symbols of retroreflective material are used in the Standard Code to distinguish unlighted Isolated Danger marks. ‘One or more pairs of blue above red bands are used in the Comprehensive Code. 10SAFE WATER MARKS Colour Red and White Shape Pillar or spar TTopmmark Red sphere Retroreflector Red and White OA Retroreflector I Light (when fied): White, Isophase, or ‘Occulting, or Long- Flashing every 10 seconds, of Morse Cade (A) CE Iso CHAE oc Ce 1) 05 a 0/4) NOTES tRetroreflectors illustrated _are_ those of the Comprehensive Code. In the Standard Code these tmarkv are distinguished by one or more white bands, fetiers,numeralsorsymbols. This diagram is schematic and in the case of pillar buoys in particular, their features will vary with the individual designof the buoysinuse. Diagram 7 Use Shape Sul 54 Safe Water marks are used to indicate that there is Spherical, pillar or spar buoys are used as Safe navigable waterall rounda mark. Such amark maybe Water marks. used asa centreline, mid-channel or landfall buoy, or to indicate the best point of passage under a fixed Light bridge 38 ‘A red. spherical topmark is a very important feature if the buoy is not spherical, and is fitted whenever practi Colours 33 Red and white stripes are used for Safe Water ‘marks, and distinguish them from the black-banded danger marks. A white light, occulting, or isophase, or showing a single long flash or Morse Code A is used for Safe ‘Water marks, when lighted, Ifalong flash (ie a flash of not less than 2 seconds) is used, the period of the light is 10 seconds. Retroreflectors 56 ‘One or more white bands, letters, numerals or symbols of retroreflective material ae used in the Standard Code to distinguish unlighted Safe Water marks. Red and white stripes or bands are used in the Comprehensive Code.SPECIAL MARKS Colour Shape ‘Topmark Retroreflector Retoreflector ee a@a Yellow Optional Yellow 3 Yellow optional Light (when fitted): Yellow, and may have any rhythm not used for white lights Examples ey (4) NOTES +Retroreflectors, illustrated are those of the Comprehensive Code. In the Standard Code these This diagram is schematic and in the case of pillar buoys in particular, their features will vary with the marks are distinguished by one or more white bands, _individual designof the buoysinuse. letters, numerals or symbols. Diagram 8 Use Colour 61 6.3 ‘Special marks may be used to indicate to the Mariner special area or feature, the nature of which isapparent from reference toa chart, Sailing Directions or Notices to Mariners. Special marks may be lettered to indicate their purpose. ‘Uses include the marking of Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) buoys; ‘Traffic Separation Schemes where use of the ‘conventional channel marking might cause ‘confusion, though many schemes are marked bby Lateral and Safe Water marks; Spoil grounds; Military exercise zones; Cables or pipelines, including outfall pipes: Recreation zones. Another function of Special marks is to define a ‘channel within a channel. For example a channel for deep-draught vessels in a wide estuary, where the limits ofthe channel for normal navigation are marked by red and green Lateral buoys, may have the boundaries of the deep channel indicated by yellow buoys of the appropriate Lateral shapes, or its centreline marked by yellow spherical buoys. ‘Topmark. 62 ‘A single yellow X is the form of topmark used for a Special mark, when one is carried. Yellow is the colour used for Special marks. ‘The shape of Special buoysis optional but they must not conflict with those used for a Lateral or Safe Water ‘mark. For example, an outfall buoy on the port hand side of a channel could be can-shaped but not conical Lights 65 ‘A yellow light is used, when one is exhibited. The shythm may be any, other than those used for Cardinal, Isolated Danger and Safe Water marks. The following are permitted examples: Group oceulting; Flashing; Group flashing with a group of 4, 5 or (exceptionally) 6 flashes; ‘Composite group flashing; Morse Code letters, other than Morse Code A, DorU, In the case of ODAS buoys, the rhythm is group flashing with a group of 5 flashes every 20 seconds. Retroreflectors . 66 ‘One yellow band, an X, or a symbol are used as retrorefiectors to distinguish unlighted Special marks.CHART SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS IALA Maritime Buoyage System |ALA International Association of Lighthouse Authorities has fro te ALA Syste apps al ic and fotng mak excep ad acyl andra sated gi and mao foaig Te stan buy shapes ar cynic! (can) >, concal Q.sorevcal iter LL and spar J. tut aratons may occur exape nar igh oaks > inte stato blo ony be Standard buoy Shapes are used th case ad beacon (trun Ony te shape 2 ta fopmak sof savgatera Sgnfeare®. 130.1 Lateral marks ae genealy or wot nad channels Ter rs no ism Buyage Repns A and B- whee Lateral mas de. | ‘A preteredcranna ow maya be a pita ora spar Al preted chanel mats have tro hana bands a calou here er excoptnal reasons an Auer considers Pa green cob rbiny ne satay, ack my be ed 130.2 CAO Qabel srowing cratin of teuovage © symbo! shoning direction of buayage where f ie (rm cris colued as aoa 3 Card rr iene 130.3 Car inal Marks inating navoatie ater se of the marks. Cardinal marks have | UNLIT MARKS Tene MARS "Rema: 2 bck cones oes sen aa “a Hirata" Nw asta NE ; weg a eee jaf y Sore eee i boi ; wetntat ons, // Et Ce | d tte ff 1 I oo jem fe fos J seo, ora vo st oe Ae Le) | ' | i lt a a —— q sw. SE same abbreviations are on and beacons. etow atone Back The pari tn tnd uray rte ere 130.4 ‘Isolated Danger Marks, siaioned over danger with navigable water around them. ‘ sate hra boas 1 i Soha cnc snees re") d f 4 fm ooh meson ad he 1905 elie ra wha cere and dl mara : pear eee i LL et oe ; ge bd fire ie | 1906 oc ata pry an ain ba spac cl aren . (ap oxo ny tlt ayh aes ade ale ey er ee Diagram 9 . BREGIONA Se i REGION A Examples of Buoyage Diagram 10 “4Examples of BuoyageEMERGENCY WRECK MARKING BUOY 1 ‘At present new dangers are generally marked by ‘cardinal or lateral buoys, although itis recognised that, ‘a number of authorities also deploy isolated danger marks. Recent groundings and collisions have indicated a need for a revision of how new dangers are marked, especially in an emergency. 12 ‘To provide a possible means of ensuring clear and ‘unambiguous marking of dangerous new wrecks, IALA have introduced, on a trial basis, a new ‘emergency wreck marking buoy. It is envisaged that any such buoy will be a temporary response, typically tobe used forthe first24~72 hours. Its deployment will be promulgated through usual maritime safety information systems. 13 The emergency wreck marking buoy is designed to provide a prominent (both visual and radio) aid to navigation, It will be placed as close to the wreck as possible, or in pattern around the wreck, and within any other marks that may be subsequently deployed. 14 ‘The emergency wreck marking buoy will be ‘maintained in position until: ‘a, The wreck is well known and has been ‘promulgated in nautical publications ic. Noticesto Mariners. + . The wreck has been fully surveyed and exact details such as position and least depth above the wreck are known. . A permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out. 18 The buoy has the following characteristics (see Diagram 12): a. A pillar or spar buoy, with size dependent on. location. », Coloured in equal number and dimensions of blue and yellow vertical stripes (minimum of 4 stripes and maximum of 8 stripes) c. Fitted with an alternating Blue and Yellow flashing light with a nominal range of 4 nautical miles (authorities may alter the range depending ‘upon local conditions) where the blue and yellow 1 second flashes are alternated with an interval of 0-5 seconds ic. Bu 1-0s + 0:5s + ¥ 1-0s + 05s = 3-05 4d. If multiple buoys are deployed then the lights bbe synchronised, ‘e, The buoy may be fitted with a Racon (Morse Code "D”) and/or an AIS transponder. £. The topmark, if fitted, is a standing/upright yellow cross. + Emergency Wreck Markigs Buoy Diagram 12‘THE UNITED KINGDOM HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE RAN aa Stace Ces CeO aed ‘www.ukho.gov.uk Cea