IALAbuoyagejärjestelmä

IALAbuoyagejärjestelmä is a Finnish term that translates to the "IALA buoyage system." It refers to the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities' standardized system for maritime navigation buoys. This system is designed to ensure uniformity in the marking of waterways worldwide, enhancing safety and facilitating navigation for all vessels.

The IALA buoyage system is divided into two main regions, Region A and Region B, which differ primarily in the color of the lateral marks. Lateral marks are used to indicate the sides of a channel or fairway. In Region A, port (left) side marks are red and starboard (right) side marks are green when entering a channel from seaward. In Region B, these colors are reversed. The choice of region for a particular waterway is determined by local authorities.

In addition to lateral marks, the system includes various other types of marks. Cardinal marks indicate the position of a danger relative to the mark and are colored and numbered according to their cardinal direction (north, east, south, west). Isolated danger marks are placed directly on or over an isolated danger. Safe water marks indicate that there is navigable water all around the mark. Special marks, typically yellow, are used to indicate a special area or feature, such as a traffic separation scheme or a spoil ground. The top marks and light characteristics of these buoys are also standardized to aid in identification. The adoption of the IALA buoyage system by most maritime nations promotes consistency and reduces confusion for mariners navigating international waters.