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lateral system
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lateral system

buoyage
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Quick Summary

The lateral system of buoyage is a method used in maritime navigation to mark safe channels for vessels. Buoys, which are floating anchored objects, provide guidance and warnings to mariners. The color and shape of a buoy, along with its light patterns, convey crucial information.1

A unified system for buoy marking was established internationally, with the current Maritime Buoyage System maintained by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). This system divides buoys into categories, including lateral and cardinal buoys.2

Lateral buoys specifically mark the sides of channels. In Region A (Europe, Africa, Australia, etc.), red, cylindrical (can) buoys with red lights mark the port (left) side of the channel when proceeding in the direction of buoyage. Green, conical buoys mark the starboard (right) side. The direction of buoyage is typically towards a harbor from seaward or in a clockwise direction around landmasses. In Region B (the Americas, Japan, etc.), these colors are reversed. Starboard refers to the right side of a ship when looking forward.23

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. lighthouse - Buoyage systems
  2. buoy
  3. starboard
  4. starboard bow

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