Malibu Boats RESPONSE TXi 2021, Owner'S Manual

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20 Safety | 2021 OWNER’S MANUAL
except Western Rivers and Intracoastal 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.
Types of Buoys
There are several types and shapes of buoys. Buoys may be
unlighted, lighted, with sound, or may have both and audible
and a visual signal. Lights, bells, and horns are used on buoys
for night or poor visibility conditions. Different shapes of
buoys are shown below.
Buoys with unique light flashing characteristics are identified
on nautical charts with the specific flashing pattern.
Mooring Buoys
The only buoys from which you are permitted to moor
are mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are white with a blue
horizontal stripe. Mooring to a navigation buoy, regulatory
markers, or lateral markers is illegal.
Uniform State Regulatory Markers
Regulatory markers indicate dangerous or restricted controlled
areas. These markers are used to indicate speed zones, areas set
aside for particular use, general information, and directions.
Regulatory markers are white with orange geometric shapes
and have orange bands near the top and at the water line of the
buoy. You must obey regulatory markers.
Waring Markers
It is a good idea to ask local authorities if there are
hazardous areas and how they are marked. Boaters must also
recognize the flag designs, which indicate that skin divers are
present and keep well clear of the area. Divers underwater
cannot be seen. Stay well away from boats or floats displaying
Diver Flags.
Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be marked.
Steer clear from the area and remain alert.
Navigation markers serve as a mean of identifying navigable
routes and indicate water hazards. Boaters should become
familiar with navigation markers and stay within marked
boundaries and clear of hazards.
Night Running
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise must use
navigational lights. Nighttime operation, especially during bad
weather or fog can be dangerous. All Rules of the Road apply
at night, but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats,
UNLIGHTED
BELL
SPAR NUN
LIGHTED MOORING
White with blue
band may show
white reflection
of light.
CAN
CONTROLLED
AREA
DANGER BOATS KEEP
OUT
INFORMATION
Uniform State Waterway Marking System
DIVER’S FLAG
Used by
recreational
divers indicated
position. Stay far
away from diver
flags. Someone is
underwater in the
vicinity.
DISTRESS FLAG
Indicates fellow
boater needs
assistance.
ALPHA FLAG
Worldwide vessels
engaged in diving
operations—does
not indicate diver’s
position. Stay far
away from diver
flag. Someone is
underwater in the
vicinity.
SWIM AREA WARNING SKIN DIVER WARNING