A system of buoys, piles and lights, known as IALA Buoyage System ‘A’, is used to assist safe navi-gation. These are the equivalent of road signs on highways. Each type of mark has a unique combi-nation of colour, shape, topmark and light. You must be able to recognise these and pass them safely on the correct side. Some of the more common ones are listed below.
When going upstream (away from the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on the left hand side (to port), and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on the right-hand side (to starboard).
When going downstream (towards the sea) keep red (port-hand marks) on your right-hand side (to starboard) and keep green (starboard-hand marks) on your left-hand side (to port).
Lateral marks
Port and starboard marks are referred to as lateral marks. They indicate the port-hand and star-board-hand sides of navigable waters (channels). When both a port and starboard mark are placed near to each other, travel directly between them. On a pile beacon, look for the shape and colour of the top mark.
Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs. The safe side to pass a lateral mark is generally deter-mined by the direction of travel to or from the sea, or a predetermined local direction of buoyage.
Cardinal marks
A cardinal mark indicates where the deepest and safest water can be found. It may also indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger and to draw attention to a feature in the channel such as a bend or junction.
NORTH Safe water to the north of the cardinal. Topmarks point ‘up’ toward the north for safest water. At night the frequency of the flashes are an uninterrupted quick flash.
SOUTH Safe water to the south of the cardinal. Topmarks both point ‘down’ towards the south for safe water. The frequency of flashes is 6 quick flashes in a group followed by a long flash.
EAST Safe water to the east of the cardinal. Topmarks are in the shape of an egg, so remember the e of egg is for safe water to the east. The frequency of the flashes is 3 quick flashes in a group.
WEST Safe water to the west of the cardinal. Topmarks make the shape of a wine glass so remem-ber the w of wine glass is for safe water to the west. The frequency of the flashes is 9 quick flashes in a group.
Low Rock Reef off Shute Harbour is one of just 2 places in Australia where all cardinal marks are together.
VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $80., you can join at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/
Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday from Whitsunday VMR.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
