Boating Basics Online - Basic Boating Safety Course
Chapter 6 - Operations

Aids to Navigation

Non-Lateral Informational and Regulatory Markers

Regulatory or informational markers are used to advise you of situations, dangers, or directions. They may indicate shoals, swim areas, speed zones, etc. They can be easily identified by the orange bands on the top and bottom of each buoy.

Diamond with a cross in it indicates a boat exclusion areaBoat Exclusion Area:
Explanation may be placed outside the crossed diamond shape, such as dam, rapids, swim area, etc.

An orange diamon on a white background indicates dangerDanger:
The nature of danger may be indicated inside the diamond shape, such as rock, wreck, shoal, dam, etc.

Orange circle on a white background

Controlled Area:
Type of control is indicated in the circle, such as slow, no wake, anchoring, etc.


White sqare with orange border is an information marker.

For displaying information such as directions, distances, locations, etc.


White can-type bouys with orange markings
Buoy used to display regulatory markers.


White can-type buoy with orange circle showing 5 mph.

May show white light and/or may be lettered.



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