The Anchor Bend• Securing a line to any ring or rail• Tying to an ‘Anchor’

Aids To Navigation(Chapter V in student manual)

What we will cover…

What are Aids to Navigation (ATONS)? Types of navigation aids Buoyage systems in the U.S. U.S. ATONS: IALA-B System Reading a chart Other buoyage systems encountered Other navigation aids encountered

What Are Aids to Navigation?

Mark safe water and assist boat operators in determining their position in relation to land or hidden dangers

ATONS

Types of Navigation Aids

Lateral Information and Regulatory

Used in conjunctio

n with Navigation Charts

Lateral Navigation Aids

Mark edges of channels to tell which way open water is.

Also know as: Day beacons Lights Buoys Day marks / Day

shapes

Lateral Aids in Bodega Bay

Lateral Navigation Aids

Mark edges of channels to tell which way open water is.

Also know as: Day beacons Lights Buoys Day marks / Day

shapes

Information and Regulatory Aids

Give direction and information

Warn of hazards and obstructions

Mark controlled areas Mark closed areas Very common

Information & Regulatory Aids

Means to Relay Information

ShapesColorsNumbersLettersLightsSounds

Lateral Aids in NavigationMark the edge of safe water along a navigation route

Are used in conjunction with nautical charts

Lateral Aids in Navigation

Navigational charts viewed on-line

http://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.govhttp://hd-sf.com/livemap.html

Buoyage Systems in the U.S.

IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) IALA-A (Eastern Hemisphere) IALA-B (Western Hemisphere)

Intra-coastal Waterways Uniform State Waterways

“Buoyage refers to all the different physical devices, buoys, lights, day boards that convey information to the mariner based upon colors, shapes and numbers.”

U.S ATONS: IALA-B SystemWestern Hemisphere

Lateral markers in the IALA-B system follow the 3R Rule:

Red on Right when Returning upriver (or from sea)

IALA-B Markers

CansCylindrical-shaped buoys are marked with green markings and odd numbers. They mark the left side of the channel as a boater enters from the open sea or heads upstream.

Hint: “7Up” comes in a green can.

NunsCone-shaped buoys are marked with red markings and even numbers. They mark the right side of the channel as a boater enters from the open sea or heads upstream.

Hint: “V8” comes in a red bottle.

Lighted BuoysBuoys use lateral marker shapes, colors and numbers and have a matching colored light.

Beacons, Day Boards and DaymarksPermanently placed signs attached to structures. Common daymarks are red triangles (equivalent to nuns) and green squares (equivalent to cans). These may also be lighted.

Range MarkersFound in pairs with one higher than the other. Indicate the center line of a channel by aligning both as you pass through the channel.

Other IALA-B Markers

Preferred Channel Marks

Junction markers indicate the preferred channel at points where the waterway splits or branches off in another direction

Reading A Chart

The first marker seen entering from sea is the open, or safe water marker. The RW "G" means that it is a Red and White striped marker with, in this case, the letter "G" on it.

or

Chart Exercise

Bodega entrance

Fl 4s 20ft 6M “B” HORN

Flashes (at night) 4 seconds20 feet highCan be seen 6 milesLetter “B”Sound: Horn

Reading A Chart

The next marker you see as you enter this waterway is G "1" Fl G 4 sec. This tells you it is Green, has the number 1 on it, and it Flashes Green once each 4 seconds.

Reading A Chart

R N "2" plus the red symbol indicates a Red Nun buoy with the even number 2 on it. Conversely G C "3", is a Green Can buoy with the odd number 3 on it.

Reading A Chart

A junction marker referred to as RGN "C" uses its top color to show the primary channel (Red and Green Nun buoy). Use the top color and shape as if it were a stand alone marker if you want to follow the primary channel. In this case leave the Red Nun to the right. Otherwise use the bottom color.

Other Buoyage Systems

IALA-B Intra-coastal waterways (ICW) Uniform State Waterways

Intracoastal Waterways (ICW) Series of tributaries running parallel

along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts from New Jersey to Texas

Navigation aids along the ICW are the same as any other U.S. Waterway with the exception of yellow markings

The yellow markings override the shape or color of the lateral markers they are affixed on

Red, right, returning also applies to the ICW markers

Generally South is considered returning

Intracoastal Waterways (ICW)

Yellow Squares indicate you should keep this marker on your port side.

Yellow Triangles indicate you should keep this marker on your starboard side.

Intracoastal Waterways (ICW)

Uniform State Waterways

Other Navigational Aids

Have no lateral significance

Used to mark a special feature or area

Can be lighted with fixed or flashing light

Special Marks

Yellow Markers =Caution

Other Navigational Aids

Other Navigational Aids

Indicate a danger which may be passed on all sides

Erected on, or moored on or near danger

Should not be approached closely without special caution

Isolated Danger Marks

Other Navigational Aids

Used to mark fairways, mid-channels, and offshore approach points

Unobstructed water on all sides

May be lettered, and may be lighted with a white light

Safe Water Marks

Other Navigational AidsRange Markers

Off to starboard Past the turning point

Range Marks in Bodega Bay

Other Markers You May Encounter

Divers Flag indicates scuba divers or snorkelers are operating in area

Alpha FlagVessel engaged in diving operations

Navigation Technologies

GPS chart plotter, fish finder

No substitute for understanding ATONS

Carry paper charts

ATON systems are NOT fail safe. Buoys can move / break

mooring Shore-based markings can be

obstructed (ie truck)

This is an introductory course.

If you need to rely on an ATON System, know how to use it before you are on the water.

Know which systems are used in your area.

In addition, be aware of “local knowledge”

Navigation & Navigational Aids

Fl R 15s 50ft HORNS Priv

Lateral Aids in S.F. Bay

Know which systems are used in your area.

In addition, be aware of “local knowledge”

It is the Operator’s responsibility to navigate safely and effectively

Navigation & Navigational Aids

The Anchor Bend Securing a line to any ring or rail Tying to an ‘Anchor’