navigointimerkit

Navigointimerkit, often referred to as navigation marks or navigation buoys, are aids to navigation designed to assist mariners in safely piloting their vessels. They provide visual cues to indicate safe channels, hazards, or other important navigational information. These markers are essential for both recreational boaters and commercial shipping, contributing to the prevention of collisions and grounding.

The system of navigation marking is standardized internationally, although regional variations exist. The most common systems are the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) Maritime Buoyage System. There are two main regions within this system: Region A and Region B. These regions differ primarily in the lateral marking system, which indicates the sides of a channel. In Region A, port (left) hand marks are red and starboard (right) hand marks are green when approaching from seaward. In Region B, this color scheme is reversed.

Beyond lateral marks, other types of navigation marks include cardinal marks, which indicate the direction of safe water relative to a hazard; isolated danger marks, placed directly on or over a danger of limited extent; safe water marks, indicating a clear navigable path; and special marks, used to indicate a special area or feature, such as a spoil ground, military exercise zone, or pipeline. The shape and color of these marks, along with their lights, are crucial components of their identification and function. Understanding the meaning of each mark is a fundamental skill for any mariner.