Boating Basics: Buoys & Markers

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Questions and Answers

What does the U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON) refer to?

Only markers

Traffic signals that guide vessel operators (correct)

Only buoys

Used exclusively in lakes

What do red colors, red lights, and even numbers indicate?

The edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side

What do green colors, green lights, and odd numbers indicate?

The edge of the channel on your port (left) side

Red and green colors and/or lights indicate the preferred channel at the junction of two channels.

True Signup and view all the answers

What direction does 'upstream' refer to?

Against the current Signup and view all the answers

What type of buoys are marked with red markings and even numbers?

Nun buoys Signup and view all the answers

What type of buoys are marked with green markings and odd numbers?

Can buoys Signup and view all the answers

What type of buoys have a matching colored light?

Lighted buoys Signup and view all the answers

What shapes do common daymarks take?

Red triangles and green squares Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Red Right Returning' remind boaters?

To keep red navigation markers on the right side when returning from open waters Signup and view all the answers

When following the Intracoastal Waterway, any marker displaying a yellow triangle should be passed by keeping it on the ______ side of the vessel.

starboard (right) Signup and view all the answers

The Western Rivers System uses markers on the Mississippi River and its tributaries above Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and they indicate the distance from the river's ______.

mouth Signup and view all the answers

What color and markings do regulatory non-lateral markers typically have?

White with orange markings and black lettering Signup and view all the answers

What shape indicates a controlled area such as 'no wake' or speed limits?

Circles Signup and view all the answers

What shape indicates areas off-limits to all boats?

Crossed diamonds Signup and view all the answers

What do safe water markers indicate?

Unobstructed water on all sides Signup and view all the answers

What should mooring buoys be marked with?

White with a blue horizontal band Signup and view all the answers

What color and markings indicate an obstruction to navigation?

White with black vertical stripes Signup and view all the answers

What is a plow-style anchor best suited for?

Most boats Signup and view all the answers

What is a fluke-style anchor commonly referred to as?

Danforth Signup and view all the answers

What does a mushroom anchor rely on for holding power?

Sinking into bottom sediments Signup and view all the answers

What is the rule of thumb for the length of anchor line?

Line should be at least seven to ten times the depth of the water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aids to Navigation (ATON) serve as traffic signals for vessels, guiding safe passage and identifying hazards.
Lateral markers indicate navigable channels while non-lateral markers convey different types of information.

Lateral Markers

Red Markers:
- Right edge of the channel when entering from open sea; marked with red colors, lights, and even numbers.
- Follow the phrase "Red Right Returning" for navigation guidance.
Green Markers:
- Left edge of the channel marked with green colors, lights, and odd numbers.
Nun Buoys:
- Cone-shaped and red, these indicate the starboard side of the channel.
Can Buoys:
- Cylindrical and green, marking the port side of the channel.
Junction Buoys:
- Red and green markings indicate preferred channels at splits; red on top means left, green on top means right.

Non-Lateral Markers

Commonly white with orange markings and black text, these markers provide information beyond channel edges.
Information Markers:
- Squares inform about amenities, distances, and directions.
Danger Markers:
- Diamonds signal hazards like rocks or construction; caution is essential.
Controlled Areas:
- Circles indicate "no wake" or speed limits.
Exclusion Areas:
- Crossed diamonds denote off-limits zones such as swimming areas.

Safe Water and Mooring

Safe Water Marker:
- White with red stripes, indicating clear water navigable from either side.
Mooring Buoy:
- White with a blue horizontal band; legal to tie up vessels and located in marinas.

Obstruction Markers

Inland Waters Obstruction Marker:
- White with black stripes, indicating navigation hazards; do not pass between these and the shore.

Anchoring Techniques

Plow-Style Anchor:
- Suitable for most boats; gains holding power by burying into sediments.
Fluke-Style Anchor (Danforth):
- Lightweight with pointed flukes for good holding, suitable for various boat sizes.
Mushroom Anchor:
- Best for small vessels; weak holding power, unsuitable in rough conditions.
Length of Anchor Line:
- Should be seven to ten times the water depth for effective anchoring.

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Description

This quiz covers essential boating navigation concepts including lateral and non-lateral markers, as well as anchoring techniques. Familiarize yourself with the U.S. Aids to Navigation System and the functions of various buoys and markers that ensure safe navigation on waterways.