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FWMS System
The FWMS Lateral System is for use on navigable waters 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 towards 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.
Figure 1-7. Buoy Shapes
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.
Figure 1-8. Spherical Marker
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.
Figure 1-9. Day Markers
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