Buoyage system 'A'
Many countries throughout the world have agreed to the use of a uniform coding system of navigational marks known as Buoyage System 'A'. This system, developed with the assistance of the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, is used throughout South Australian waters.
Buoyage System 'A' provides a better organised and safer way of coding our navigational marks.
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure can provide the following information sticker detailing the IALA Maritime Buoyage system. Stickers showing the IALA Maritime Buoyage System are available free of charge from any Customer Service Centre.
Type of Marks
Lateral
Lateral indicates port and starboard hand sides of channels.
Cardinal
Cardinal indicates that deeper water lies to the direction shown,
ie, to the north, south, east or west.
Isolated Danger
Isolated Danger indicates isolated dangers of limited extent with
navigable waters all around them - but don’t pass too close.
Safe Water
Safe Water indicates that there is navigable water all around
and under that position, e.g., mid-channel buoy.
Special
Special indicates special features, e.g., spoil grounds, prohibited
anchorages, pipe outfalls, etc.
Lateral Marks
Lateral Marks are usually positioned to define well-established channels, and indicate port and starboard hand signs of the navigation route into a port.
Port mark is coloured red and the basic shape is a can.
Starboard mark is coloured green and the basic shape is conical.
By night a port buoy shows a red light and a starboard buoy shows
a green light.
Cardinal Marks
A cardinal mark indicates where the best and safest water may
be found, and is used in conjunction with the compass. Shows where
the mariner is safe passing.
Uses
A cardinal mark may indicate:
