Reading Buoys And Other Markers - Yamaha AR240 HO Owner's Manual

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S I
afety nformatIon
REAdiNG BUOYS ANd
OTHER mARKERS
The waters of the United States are
marked for safe navigation by the
lateral system of buoyage. Simply put,
buoys and markers have an arrange-
ment of shapes, colors, numbers, and
lights to show which side of the buoy
a boater should pass on when navi-
gating in a particular direction. The
markings on these buoys are oriented
from the perspective of being entered
from seaward (the boater is going
towards the harbor). Red buoys are
passed on your starboard (right) side
when proceeding from open water into
port, and black buoys are to your port
(left) side. An easy way to remember
the meaning of the colors is the phrase
"red right returning." When navigating
out of the harbor, your position with
respect to the buoys should be
reversed; red buoys should be to port
and black buoys to starboard.
Many bodies of water used by boaters
are entirely within the boundaries of
a particular state. The Uniform State
Waterway Marking System has been
devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with
distinctive shapes and colors to show
regulatory or advisory information.
These markers are white with black
letters and orange borders. They signify
speed zones, restricted areas, danger
areas, and general information.
Remember, markings may vary by geo-
graphic location. Always consult local
boating authorities before riding your
boat in unfamiliar waters.
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