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.

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