UNIFORM STATE WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEM
Most waterways used by boaters are located entirely within the boundaries of
the state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System was devised for these
waters, but as of December 31, 2003 this system was merged into the lateral marking system. However, in some areas you may still find these buoys.
The waterway marking system employs buoys and signs with distinctive standard
shapes to show regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with
black letters and have orange borders at the top and bottom of the buoy. They
signify speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas, and general information.
Typical Information and Regulatory Marks
When lighted, these markers may display any white light rhythm except quick flashing.
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Boat Exclusion Area - Explanation may be placed outside the
crossed diamond shape, such as dam, rapids, swim area, etc. |
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Danger - The nature of danger may be indicated inside the
diamond shape, such as rock, wreck, shoal, dam, etc. |
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Controlled Area - Type of control is indicated in the circle,
such as slow, no wake, anchoring, etc |
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Information - For displaying information such as directions,
distances, locations, etc. |
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Buoys used to display regulatory markers |
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Buoys may show white light and may be lettered |
Aids to navigation on state waters use red and green buoys to mark channel
limits. Red and green buoys are generally used in pairs. The boat should pass
between the red buoy and its companion green buoy, not between the buoy and the
shoreline!
NON-LATERAL AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Dayboards — May Be Lettered
The only purpose of these diamond shaped dayboards is to determine location.
NOAA charts must be consulted. |
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Safe Water - No Numbers (May Be Lettered)
These aids are used to mark fairways (navigable portion of a river or the
main channel), mid-channels, and offshore approach points, and have unobstructed
water on all sides. They can also be used by the vessel operator transiting
offshore waters to identify the proximity of intended landfall.
Lighted/unlighted buoys may show a red topmark. When lighted, these aids show a white light only and show "Morse Code Alpha", shown as  . |
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Ranges are a PAIR of aids to navigation. When the dayboards
and/or lights appear to be in line with each other, it assists the
vessel operator in maintaining a safe course within the navigable
channel. The appropriate nautical chart must be consulted when using
ranges to determine whether the range marks the centerline of the
navigable channel and also what section of the range may be safety
traversed. Ranges are generally, but not always, lighted, and display
rectangular dayboards of various colors. Ranges, which are lit 24 hours
a day, may not have dayboards. |
Private Aids to Navigation
A Private Aid to Navigation is a buoy, light or daybeacon owned and maintained by any individual or organization other than a government entity.
No one may place a buoy in the water without approval. Contact your local USCG District Aids to Navigation Office or corresponding state office for application process information.
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