Lateral buoy is a type of navigation buoy, used to define port hand and starboard hand in a channel. Based on IALA standards for region B, green lateral markers indicate port hand while red lateral markers show starboard hand (it is reversed in region A). Built to withstand harsh weather and tidal forces, floating navigation buoy is engineered for exceptional buoyancy, visibility, and durability.
Marking the port side.
• Highly Visible Green Buoy
• Can-Shaped Body
• Can-Shaped Top Mark
Marking the starboard side.
• Highly Visible Red Buoy
• Cylinder Body
• Cylinder Top Mark
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In IALA region A, port hand lateral buoys are red, and starboard hand buoys are green while in region B, the port hand buoys are green, and starboard hand buoys are red.
While navigating around a lateral buoy, you should keep the port hand buoy on your left side and starboard hand buoy on your right side.
Yes. Port hand buoys are can-shaped and equipped with can-shaped top mark while starboard hand buoys are cylinder with a cylinder top mark.
Lateral buoy meaning is different based on the definition of International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards for region A and B. IALA region A refers to Africa, Asia, Australia, while Europe and IALA region B refers to Americas, Japan, South Korea, and Philippines. In region A, port hand lateral mark buoy is a red can-shaped buoy with red can-shaped top mark and starboard hand lateral marker buoy is a green cylinder buoy with green cylinder top mark. In region B, however, the port hand lateral buoy is a green can-shaped buoy with green can top mark and starboard hand lateral mark buoy is a red cylinder buoy with red cylinder top mark. In both regions, the shape and top marks of the lateral buoyage system are the same and just the colors are reversed.
Lateral buoys and marks are simply used to define the port and starboard sides for the mariners, acting as navigation guides. In upstream navigation (from the sea toward a harbour) port lateral marker buoy indicates that the port is on the left side, so the navigator should travel from the right side of the buoy. Starboard lateral mark buoy, on the other hand, indicates that the starboard side is on the right side and navigators should travel from the left side of the buoy. But it is totally reversed in downstream navigation.
Lateral buoyage system plays a critical role in safe navigation. Therefore, it is crucial for them to be highly visible at night or harsh weather conditions, such as storms and fog. Customizing lateral buoys and marks with lanterns can not only increase their visibility at low-visible conditions but also can make them more recognizable from long distances. The color of lanterns should be same as the color of lateral buoy itself. For instance, if the buoy is green, the color of the lantern should be green and if it is red, its lantern’s color should be red, too.
Lateral system can also be equipped with signages and other top marks in addition to its necessary top mark if needed. For example, warning signages can be installed on the top of lateral markers to warn mariners alongside guide them to identify the port and starboard sides. However, the top marks can be removed in small channels and harbours to reduce the costs for the projects where budget is limited.
