Monterey Sport Cruiser 260SCR, Owner'S Manual

Page: 49 / 212

Section 6
6-4
Cruiser
AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Learn to recognize the different buoys and day
markers; they are the signposts of the waterways.
The United States Aids to Navigation System
(USATONS) is the primary marking system used
on inland water, coastal waters and rivers. This
system is maintained by the USCG.
Navigational aids are designed and placed
accordingly to help you navigate safely on the
water. Learn to recognize the different buoys and
day markers.
The following information is based on the
USATONS. For further information, contact the
USCG and state and local marine authorities.
Also visit www.uscg.mil for buoyage system
information.
The USATONS uses buoys, beacons and minor
lights as markers.
NEVER tie or anchor to a navigational aid. This
action is unlawful and dangerous to you, your
boat and other boaters.
NEVER move or damage a navigational aid. This
action is unlawful and dangerous for other
boaters.
Buoys
Most anchored floating markers are generally
referred to as buoys. Buoys have many uses and
color schemes, and can vary in size and shape.
The most commonly used buoy colors are white,
red, green, yellow and black. Buoys may be
unlighted or lighted. Some are audible; others
have both an audible and a visual signal. Lights,
bells and horns on buoys aid in night boating or
poor visibility conditions. Buoys with unique
light-flashing characteristics are identified on
nautical charts with the specific flashing pattern.
Become familiar with the specific buoys used in
the waters where you are boating. Contact local
authorities for specific information and/or
navigational aid charts for your waterways.
Figure 6-4
Figure 6-4
Mooring Buoys
The only buoys you are permitted to moor to are
mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are white with a
blue horizontal stripe. Mooring to a navigation
buoy, regulatory markers or lateral markers is
illegal.
Figure 6-5
Figure 6-5
Daymarks / Dayboards
Daymarks or dayboards are fixed visual markers
in the water. The markers are commonly attached
to a post or piling and are sometimes
accompanied by a light. Daymarks are either red
or green and are usually triangular- or
square-shaped, though their shapes can vary.
Daymarks often display numbers, which act as
navigation guides. Red daymarks are usually
triangular and sometimes show an odd number.
Green daymarks are usually square and
sometimes show an even number. The numbers
on the markers are sequential and increase from
seaward.
SPHERICAL SAFE
WATER MARKER
UNLIGHTED
BELL BUOY
LIGHTED BUOY
CAN BUOY SPAR BUOY
NUN BUOY
KC-0052-A
WHITE WITH BLUE BAND
MAY SHOW WHITE
REFLECTOR OR LIGHT
KC-0020-A