The buoys used by sailors as navigational aids are floating chambers operating with a system connected to the bottom of the sea. If we give detailed information about buoys and buoy systems. These buoys are used to detect all kinds of rocky, shallow waters and shipwrecks in the sea which may pose a danger to the sea vehicles and to mark the areas. The life-buoys are divided into two as illuminated and non-illuminated. Illuminated ones are often used to signal a warning.

In 1982, our country adopted the system organized by IALA, the International of Lantern Authorities. When this was the case, Cardinal and Lateral marker buoys were started to be applied in our shores since 1984. In general, this system is applied in all European countries. However, before entering the territorial waters of another country, it is still necessary to check which system has been implemented.

Buoys and Buoying Systems Used to Show Route

The buoys used to show the route are red and green painted and also illuminated lateral signs. Sailors can easily travel day and night. The point to be considered in the use of these buoys in the area between the buoys where the city should be built.

Cardinal signs in the system are generally used to indicate the waters suitable for the navigation of ships with sufficient depth. In any case, it would be much more accurate for seafarers to examine their navigational charts.

Lateral Signs

Buoys of this type are generally used to mark well-known channels and to indicate locations such as starboard and pier edges within these channels.

3 different types of buoys can be used on scaffolding sides. The markings on these buoys are not obligatory. However, the buoy and the top mark of these buoys must be red. If there is a red mark next to the buoy shown on the map, it means that the buoy is illuminated.

There are three different types of green buoys on the starboard side. If the green color is not available, the buoys in the area may also be black. The buoys on the starboard side can be used with or without light.

The general aspect of the buoys is the direction for the sailor to pay attention to when coming from the sea to a port, channel or passage. The same thing should be considered when going out of these places towards the sea.

Cardinal Signs

The waters that are suitable for navigation in waters considered dangerous are marked with these buoys. There are 4 cardinal buoys in the form of East, West, North, and South. Each of these buoys indicates a 90-degree area in the area. The cardinal buoys placed according to the danger indicate the direction in which the sailor can travel safely in that direction.

Cardinal marking buoys;

• To show that the deepest place in the region is on that side.

• To show which side is safer for navigation in a dangerous area

• The intersection of a section within the channel or used to draw attention to the warm area.

Isolated Hazard Signs These markings are used to indicate any danger in water that is normally navigable. Some signs are placed to avoid confusion between buoys and buoy systems. It has different colors during the day and white light at night to distinguish the isolated danger signs from the lateral signs. 

Safe Water Signs As the name suggests these marks are used in waters suitable for viewing. It can also be preferred to show where the land is located. 

Special Signs The last signs we will talk about buoys and buoy systems are special signs. Signs are buoys used to indicate specific areas.