Aids To Navigation - CORRECT CRAFT G21 Owner's Manual

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If you navigate these type of waters, you should carry a portable air
horn, which are available from local marine supply stores.

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 in the United States. This
system is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
There are two primary marking systems in use in the U.S.: the
Uniform State Waterway Marking System (USWMS), used on
inland waters and maintained by each state, and the Federal
Waterway Marking System (FWMS), used on coastal waters and
rivers and maintained by the USCG. In addition, the FWMS has two
modified systems: the Western River Buoyage, and the Intercoastal
Waterway Buoyage. Be sure to check with local authorities on the
buoyage system in use in your boating region.
The type of hazard/warning buoys and markers depends on the
area of jurisdiction. Check with local boating authorities.
USWMS System
In the USWMS Lateral System, well-defined channels are marked
with red and black buoys, and the boat should pass between them.
The USWMS Cardinal System is used when there is no well-defined
channel or where an obstruction may be approached from more
than one direction. With the cardinal system:
• Pass north or east of BLACK-TOPPED WHITE buoy.
• Pass south or west of RED-TOPPED WHITE buoy.
• RED and WHITE VERTICALLY STRIPED buoy indicates
boat should pass outside of the buoy (away from shore).
Boating Safety
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