2-24
255 Owner’s Manual
Section 2
Cuddy Cabin
FWMS
The FWMS Lateral System is for use on navigable
waters except Western Rivers and Intercoastal
Waterways.
The markings on these buoys are oriented from the
perspective of being entered from seaward (the
boater is going toward the port). This means that
red buoys are passed on the starboard (right) side
of the vessel when proceeding from open water into
port, and green buoys to the port (left) side.
The right side (starboard) of the channel is marked
with RED, even numbered buoys. The left (port)
side of the channel is marked with GREEN, odd
numbered buoys.
The middle of the channel is marked with RED and
WHITE vertically striped buoys; pass close to these
buoys.
Obstructions, channel junctions, etc. are marked
with RED and GREEN horizontally striped buoys.
A RED band at the top means the preferred
channel is to the left of the buoy; a GREEN top
band means the preferred channel is to the right of
the buoy.
Day markers are colored and numbered the same
as buoys. RED, triangular day markers with even
numbers mark the starboard side of the channel.
GREEN, square day markers with odd numbers
mark the port side of the channel.
Lights, bells and horns are used on buoys for night
or poor visibility conditions. Buoys with unique light
flashing characteristics are identified on nautical
charts with the specific flashing pattern.
COB_255_OM_forWeb.book Page 24 Friday, June 9, 2006 2:23 PM
