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5. An Owner's Guide to Private Buoys- TP 14799 E
6. Private Buoys (Examples)

Private Buoys (Examples)

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Port Buoy

Port buoys are used to mark the left side of a channel or the location of a danger, which must be kept on the vessel’s left side when going in the upstream direction. A port buoy must have:

• a flat top, if unlighted;
• a green light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• green retroreflective material, if material is used.

Starboard Buoy

Starboard buoys mark the right side of a channel or the location of a danger that must be kept on the vessel’s right side when going in the upstream direction. A starboard buoy must have:

• a pointed (conical) top, if unlighted;
• a red light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• red retroreflective material, if material is used.

Cautionary Buoy

Cautionary buoys mark an area where mariners are to be warned of:

• aquaculture facilities;
• dangers such as firing ranges, racing courses, seaplane bases, underwater structures;
• areas where no safe through passage exits; and
• traffic separations.

A cautionary buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

Hazard Buoy

Hazard buoys mark random hazards such as rocks and shoals. A hazard buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

NOTE: Specific information may figure inside the orange diamond (e.g., rock, shoal, rapids)

Swimming Buoy

Swimming buoys mark the perimeter of a swimming area. A swimming buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

Information Buoy

Information buoys display information of interest (e.g. marina entrance, campsite) by words or symbols inside the orange square. The orange symbol may be retroreflective orange. An information buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to with standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

Mooring Buoys

Mooring buoys are used for securing a vessel or similar thing. A mooring buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

Control Buoy

Control buoys mark an area where boating is restricted as authorized under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations. The orange symbol may be retroreflective orange. A control buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

NOTE: For further information about the VORR, please visit: A Boater’s Guide to Signage http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/resources/publications/BBRsignage/menu.htm

Keep Out Buoy

Keep out buoys mark an area where all vessels are prohibited under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations. The orange symbol may be retroreflective orange. A keep out buoy must have:

• a yellow light, if lighted. The light must conform to standards and guidelines in the Canadian Aids to Navigation System (TP 968); and
• yellow retroreflective material, if material is used.

NOTE: For further information about the VORR, please visit: A Boater’s Guide to Signage http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/resources/publications/BBRsignage/menu.htm

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Date modified:

2010-01-20

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