Navigation Markers
A system of buoys, poles and lights is used to assist safe navigation. Each type of mark has a unique combination of colour, shape, topmark and light. You must be able to identify these marks and pass them safely on the correct side.
Lateral Marks
Port and starboard marks are referred to as lateral marks.
Port Hand Markers
Are red and have a can shaped topmark or buoy. If lit, a port hand mark shows a flashing red light.
May be any of the shapes shown above.
Starboard Hand Markers
Are green and have a cone shaped buoy or topmark. If lit, a starboard hand mark shows a flashing green light.
May be any of the shapes shown above.
When both port and starboard mark are placed near each other, you travel between the two.
Single Lateral Marks
Often lateral marks are not placed in pairs, so you will need to decide on the safe side to pass.
The safe side to pass a lateral navigation marker is determined by your direction of travel to or from the sea.
Note:
Heading upstream means in a direction away from the sea
Heading downstream means in a direction towards the sea.
Channels & Rivers
Extreme caution should be exercised when driving a boat because not all shallow areas and navigation hazards may be marked. This is important on rivers and estuaries where shallow areas may shift. Be careful at bends. Keep a good lookout for boats coming the opposite way. Do not cut corners.
In channels or narrow stretches of water the following rules apply:
- keep to the starboard side (right-hand side) of the channel
- do not get in the way of larger vessels operating in the channel and watch for unexpected alterations of course as they try to follow the deepest water route
- do not anchor or fish in channels where you will obstruct other vessels.
Note: All regulations for avoiding collision still apply in narrow channels.
Leads
Leads are often used to guide vessels into a port or through sections of a waterway. By moving your vessel to a position so that both leads are lined up, the course should be a safe one.
At night, major leads are lit. Move your vessel to ensure that the lights are vertically above each other. All leads are shown on maps and charts, so it is essential to consult your chart for relevant leads and other navigation aids before entering unfamiliar waters.
The leads at major ports are usually highly visible blue triangular lights mounted on bright orange or red triangular boards.
Cardinal Marks
Cardinal marks are used to indicate that deeper water lies in a compass direction away from a danger such as a reef, shallow areas etc. They are painted in combinations of yellow and black as shown.
Speed Signs
In some areas, speed restriction signs are used for safety reasons. Two types of speed signs are used in NSW.
No Wash Signs
“Wash” is the wave effect created by a vessel moving through the water. No Wash signs are placed in some areas where the wash from a vessel is likely to cause damage to the foreshore or vessels, or injury or annoyance to people. Travel at a speed which creates minimal wash when you see this sign and when near moored or anchored vessels. Look behind you to check that you are not creating wash and note the effect of your wash on other boats and the shore. Adjust your speed if necessary.Regardless of signs, you should not navigate your vessel in such a way as to produce excessive wash that endangers other vessels or causesnuisance, as this is an offence.
Note: Travelling at the speed shown on a speed restriction sign does not guarantee you are not creating wash.
Other Buoys and Signs
Indicates specific dangers with generally safe waters all around (eg a wreck). You can pass them on any side but do not pass too close. If lit, it shows a white light flashing in groups of two.
Indicates special features or areas such as:
- tide poles
- spoil grounds or
- underwater pipes.
They can be utilised as lateral marks by using can or conical shaped buoys. If so they must be passed as lateral marks:can (eg Port Hand going upstream) conical (Starboard Hand). These marks, if lit, show a yellow light at night which may flash in any rhythm.
Safe Water Marks
These are not common in NSW, however they may be used to mark the division of large shipping channels. They show a white light at night and can be passed on any side.
Used in some areas as alternatives to conventional buoyage. They often have advisory messages on them.
Submarine Cables
Anchoring is prohibited within 200 metres of submarine cables. If an anchor becomes snagged near one of these signs, it should not be retrieved – cut the anchor line.
Overhead Power Lines
As clearance heights can vary according to water levels, it is most important that masters know the height of their masts and understand the height level given on any sign.
The clearance of the power lines is usually given as the clearance above MHWS (Mean High Water Springs or the average of very high tides). It is important to know that this clearance height may reduce during king tides or floods.
Extra caution is required when launching/retrieving vessels with a mast on shore. Always keep a lookout for overhead power lines.