SPECIAL BUOYS

DESCRIPTION

• Shapes have no significance.
• May be lettered – no numbers.
• Yellow retroreflective material.
• Yellow lights – flash characters indicated below (if equipped).
• Cautionary, scientific and anchorage buoys may display a yellow “x” topmark.

CAUTIONARY

Cautionary buoys mark dangers such as firing ranges, underwater pipelines, race courses, seaplane bases and areas where no through channel exists.

ANCHORAGE

Anchorage buoys mark the perimeter of designated anchorage areas. Please consult the chart for water depth.

MOORING

Mooring buoys are used for mooring or securing vessels. Mariners should be aware that a vessel may be secured to such a buoy.

INFORMATION

Information buoys display information such as locality, marina, campsite, etc. Mariners are encouraged to follow the information illustrated within the orange square.

HAZARD

Hazard buoys mark random hazards such as shoals and rocks. Information concerning the hazard is illustrated within the orange diamond.

CONTROL

Control buoys indicate speed limits, wash restrictions, etc. Mariners are urged to follow the restriction illustrated within the orange circle.

KEEP-OUT

Keep-out buoy marks areas in which boats are prohibited.

SCIENTIFIC (ODAS/SADO)

Ocean data acquisition system buoy (ODAS) collect meteorological and other scientific data.

DIVING

Diving buoys mark an area where scuba or other such diving activity is in progress. Not normally charted.

SWIMMING

Swimming buoys mark the perimeter of a swimming area. May not be charted.