Section 2
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Owner’s/Operator’s Manual
AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day markers; they are the signposts of the
waterways. The United States Aids to Navigation System (USATONS) is the primary
marking system used on inland water, coastal waters and rivers. This system is
maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Types of Buoys
There are several types and shapes of buoys. Buoys may be unlighted, lighted, with
sound or may have both an audible and a visual signal. Lights, bells and horns are
used on buoys for night or poor visibility conditions. Different shapes of buoys are
shown in
Figure 2-5
.
Buoy Types and Shapes
Figure 2-5
Buoys with unique light flashing characteristics are identified on nautical charts with
the specific flashing pattern.
S
PHERICAL
S
AFE
WATER MARKER
UNLIGHTED
BELL BUOY
LIGHTED BUOY
CAN BUOY
S
PAR BUOY
NUN BUOY
KC-1900
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