Marksbuoys

Marksbuoys are a type of navigation aid used in maritime contexts. They are typically deployed in waterways, harbors, and coastal areas to help mariners determine safe passages, identify hazards, and mark specific locations. Unlike more complex navigation systems, marksbuoys are generally simple, floating markers.

The primary function of marksbuoys is to provide visual cues. They are often brightly colored and may bear specific shapes or symbols that conform to established international or regional maritime marking systems, such as the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) Buoyage System. These systems assign specific meanings to different colors, shapes, and lights on buoys, allowing mariners to interpret them consistently. For example, a red buoy might indicate a port-hand side of a channel, while a green buoy would indicate the starboard side.

Marksbuoys can be moored to the seabed with anchors and chains, ensuring they remain in their designated positions. They can be static or equipped with lights that flash in specific patterns, making them visible at night or in low-visibility conditions. The type of buoy and its associated marking system are chosen based on the navigational requirements of the area. They are essential for safe navigation, particularly in areas with complex channels or submerged obstacles.