Watercraft Safety Booms
Floating watercraft safety booms are designed to block unauthorized boats and canoes in restricted zones like dams, canals, spillways, and hydropower sites.
Canoe Boom (CAB)
ADOR’s Canoe Booms (CAB) are often used to prevent canoes and other small crafts from passing through. Equipped with closed-cell solid polyurethane (PU) foam-filled floats and stainless-steel wire rope, our CAB can be an ideal solution for nearshore applications, ensuring the safety of marinas, waterways, private water bodies, and nature reserves. Compliant with IALA standards, CABs are provided in 5 colors of red, yellow, orange, green, and black. Here are some of the highlights of our CAB:
- Cost-Effective
- UV-stabilized
- Customized Spacing
- Rapid Assembly
- Long-Term Low Maintenance
CAB400, CAB600, CAB800, CAB1000
Rotationally moulded UV-stabilized polyethylene
Marine grade closed cell solid polyurethane (PU) foam
Typically 16 mm diameter galvanised or stainless steel wire rope with 12T minimum break load
IALA red, green, orange, black, or yellow
Please fill out the form to download the catalog:
Traffic Control Boom (TCB)
ADOR’s Traffic Control Booms (TCB) are designed to prevent any type of watercraft from passing through, even the smallest ones. Engineered with closed-cell solid polyurethane (PU) foam-filled floats and stainless-steel tubes, these TCBs ensure the safety of nearshore marine areas, such as waterways, marinas, private water bodies, and natural reserves. Provided with 2 floats per panel and 3 floats per panel, we offer customizable TCBs that are capable of meeting safety needs. Compliant with IALA standards, our TCBs are provided in 5 colors of red, orange, yellow, green, and black. Here are some of the highlights of our TCB:
- High Break Load
- UV-Stabilized
- Customized Spacing
- Rapid Assembly
- Long-Term Low Maintenance
TCB400, TCB600, TCB800, TCB1000
Hot dipped galvanized (HDG) steel tubes
Marine grade closed cell solid polyurethane (PU) foam
IALA red, green, orange, black, or yellow
6 mm
Please fill out the form to download the catalog:
/ Our Philosophy
At ADOR, we are committed to delivering purpose-built solutions that safeguard marine environments and infrastructure. In collaboration with our trusted partner, Ecocoast, we supply products focused on environmental protection, maritime safety, and coastal security. Guided by the Ecocoast 4Ds framework, we emphasize innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact, ensuring every solution we offer is engineered to monitor, protect, and regenerate.
DESIGN
Every solution is uniquely crafted by our engineering team, drawing on proprietary designs and a deep understanding of the challenges our clients face in diverse marine environments.
DELIVER
From installation to servicing and after-care, we manage every step to ensure quality control, optimal performance, and complete client satisfaction.
DEVELOP
We design and manufacture our own products to guarantee they deliver exceptional performance, long-term sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
DRIVE CHANGE
We are committed to driving positive change by promoting sustainability, raising awareness around coastal and waterway regeneration, and collaborating with partners to create lasting environmental and community impact.
/ Case studies
Product: CAB-400
Location: Norwich Dam, Ontario, Canada
Regarding the risk of falling into the dam for watercraft, we offer our Canoe Boom as the solution. Equipped with UV-stabilized foam-filled floats and stainless-steel wire rope, our CAB-400 is designed to ensure watercraft safety in Norwich Dam, Ontario, Canada.
Product:CAB range
Location: Wainford Sluice, River Waveney, United Kingdom
With the aim of ensuring swimmers and small craft safety at Wainford Sluice on the River Waveney, ADOR offers Canoe Booms, designed with foam-filled floats and stainless-steel wire rope as the connector. Our CAB range booms could significantly reduce the hazards of passing small watercraft and provide a safe swimming zone.
Product:TCB-1000
Location: The River Trent, United Kingdom
According to the safety challenges that navigators and vessels have faced on the River Trent, we provide our Traffic Control Booms to ensure their safety as well. Designed with foam-filled floats and stainless-steel tubes, our TCB-100 not only prevents navigators and vessels from passing through but also offers long-term reliability.
Product: CAB-1000
Location: Kinloch Rannoch Weir, River Tummel, Scotland
In order to address the hazards in Kinloch Rannoch Weir, our CAB-400 is deployed as the solution, enhancing water safety. By preventing unauthorized access to hazardous areas, our Canoe Booms can provide a clear and safe environment for kayakers and other water users.
Product: TCB-600
Location: : De Biesbosch National Park, Netherlands
As one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands, De Biesbosch National Park was required to be a safer zone for the public and watercraft. According to the harsh winter conditions there, we provide our TCB-600, which not only ensures watercraft safety but also is durable in extreme weather conditions.
/ Other Products
Marine Buoys | Aids to Navigation
Navigation | Demarcation | Floating | Light | Mooring
Marine Lanterns
Solar-Powered LED Light
Marine Security Boom
Advanced | Extreme Security Boom
Silt Curtains
Standard | Premium | Green
Debris Booms
Log Screen Boom | Permanent Debris Boom
Oil Booms
4 Types of Oil Booms
/ FAQS
What Is a Watercraft Safety Boom?
A watercraft safety boom is a floating marine barrier designed to restrict, guide, or control the movement of unauthorized vessels such as canoes, kayaks, jet skis, or small boats. These booms are vital in high-risk or restricted marine zones, such as dams, spillways, hydropower facilities, and industrial canals, where safety and controlled access are mission-critical.
Composed of modular floats connected by high-tensile ropes or steel tubes, watercraft safety booms act as both a visual deterrent and physical blockade. Their visibility, buoyancy, and resistance to impact and harsh weather make them essential infrastructure for marine and inland waterways.
Why Watercraft Safety Booms Are Essential for Marine Infrastructure
Waterways connected to energy generation, water treatment, and flood control infrastructure must be protected from unauthorized access. Unchecked entry by small vessels can lead to accidents, property damage, or regulatory breaches.
Key Purposes:
- Safety Enforcement: Prevent vessels from drifting into hazardous or off-limits zones
- Regulatory Compliance: Meet safety and operational requirements for dams and hydropower stations
- Security Control: Deter intentional trespassing or vandalism in restricted areas
- Operational Efficiency: Avoid unexpected downtime due to unauthorized access
Where Are Floating Boat Barriers Used?
Floating boat barriers serve a wide range of public and private sector installations:
- Hydroelectric dams and reservoirs
- Spillways and flood control structures
- Water treatment inlets
- Navigation locks and control zones
- Private or restricted waterways
- Aquaculture or industrial water zones
CAB vs. TCB: Understanding the Two Main Boom Types
1. CAB (Canoe Boom)
Specifically engineered to block lightweight vessels such as canoes and kayaks, CAB systems consist of rotationally moulded UV-stabilized polyethylene floats filled with marine-grade closed-cell polyurethane foam. They’re connected via high-strength galvanized or stainless steel wire rope.
- Float diameters: 400 mm to 1000 mm
- Wall thickness: 6 mm
- Wire rope: 12T+ break load
- Variable spacing: 1250 mm to 1800 mm
- Custom text and IALA colors available
2. TCB (Traffic Control Boom)
Built for heavier-duty applications, the TCB system features a galvanized steel tube core for greater impact resistance. It’s suitable for areas exposed to boat traffic and elevated flow dynamics.
- Float diameters: 400 mm to 1000 mm
- Internal steel core tube: up to Ø114 mm
- Break load: up to 72T
- Suited for canals, flood zones, and marine industrial traffic
Key Features of Watercraft Safety Booms
Material Composition:
- Polyethylene Outer Shell: UV-stabilized, rotationally moulded
- Foam Core: Closed-cell polyurethane (PU) to maintain buoyancy
- Reinforcement: Galvanized wire rope or HDG steel tubes
Visuals & Markings:
- High-visibility IALA-compliant colors
- Custom text for zone demarcation
- Optional marine signage and lighting
Connection and Assembly:
- End connections: galvanized, stainless, or custom
- Standard or heavy-duty eyelets for anchoring
- Modular floats for quick deployment and replacement
Floating Watercraft Restriction Boom: How It Works
A floating watercraft restriction boom is placed strategically across a water channel or basin. Each segment of the boom floats independently but is linked together, forming a linear physical barrier that:
- Resists waves and current
- Maintains visible separation between zones
- Stops watercraft from proceeding
The booms are anchored at each end, and in some cases, at intervals, to ensure they remain in place during storms, surges, or strong tidal activity.
Choosing a Marine Access Control Boom: What to Consider
- Vessel Type: Canoes vs. motorized boats — this affects required break load.
- Water Conditions: Calm vs. high flow; still reservoirs vs. tidal estuaries.
- Risk Level: Proximity to sensitive zones (e.g., turbines, intakes).
- Deployment Type: Temporary or permanent installation.
- Custom Needs: Branding, color coding, lighting, or data monitoring.
Boat Exclusion Barrier: Enhancing Dam Safety
Dam authorities and infrastructure planners deploy boat exclusion barriers as their first line of defense. These floating barriers:
- Stop unauthorized entry into spillways and penstocks
- Offer early warning and redirection for recreational boaters
- Reduce potential for rescue operations or damage
Safety Boom for Dam: Best Practices for Installation
1. Pre-installation Survey
Assess flow conditions, anchoring points, and visibility lines. Ensure no hidden obstructions below the surface.
2. Engineering & Assembly
Use certified load and buoyancy calculations. Connect floats onshore prior to tow-out and anchoring.
3. Deployment
Install during low-tide or calm conditions. Use tugboats or winch systems for precise positioning.
4. Monitoring & Maintenance
Inspect quarterly for wear, algae growth, and anchor integrity.
Customization Options
- Color: Red, yellow, green, black, orange (IALA standard)
- Float Size: Ø400 mm to Ø1000 mm
- Text: Custom warning or location markings
- Connectors: Zip-ties, shackles, clevis ends, or tensioning lines
- Accessories: Solar lighting, reflectors, signage boards
Why Choose ADOR’s Watercraft Safety Booms?
- Proven Design: Used in government and industrial installations globally
- High Load Capacity: Tested for real-world impact conditions
- Ease of Deployment: Modular design enables fast setup and replacement
- Durability: UV-stabilized, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for long-term use
- Support: From site assessment to delivery and after-sales service
