Used generally to mark the sides of well-defined, navigable channels.
They are positioned in accordance with a Conventional Direction of Buoyage and they indicate the Port and Starboard hand sides of the route to be followed.
A modified lateral mark may be used at the point where a channel divides to distinguish the preferred channel - the primary route or channel - that is so designated by the competent authority.
Colour of lateral marks
They are coloured red (Port Hand Marks) and green (Starboard Hand Marks).
A starboard side lateral mark buoy being lifted for cleaning aboard THV Galatea
A type 2 port side lateral buoy at our yard in Harwich
Buoy services
Buoys are available for hire, contact us for more information.
Colour, shape and light
Description of Lateral Marks used in Region A (UK)
LATERAL MARK |
PORT HAND |
STARBOARD HAND |
| Colour | Red | Green |
| Shape of buoy |
Cylindrical (can), pillar or spar |
Conical, pillar or spar |
| Top-mark (if any) |
Single red cylinder (can) |
Single green cone, point upward |
| Light (when fitted) | ||
| Colour | Red | Green |
| Rhythm | Any other than Composite group flashing (2 + 1) | Any other than Composite group flashing (2 + 1) |
Preferred channel
At the point where a channel divides, when proceeding in the “conventional direction of buoyage,” a preferred channel may be indicated by a modified Port or Starboard lateral mark.
LATERAL MARK |
PREFERRED CHANNEL TO STARBOARD |
PREFERRED CHANNEL TO PORT |
| Colour | Red with one broad green horizontal band | Green with one broad red horizontal band |
| Shape of buoy |
Cylindrical (can), pillar or spar |
Conical, pillar or spar |
| Top-mark (if any) |
Single red cylinder (can) |
Single green cone, point upward |
| Light (when fitted) | ||
| Colour | Red | Green |
| Rhythm | Composite group flashing (2 + 1) | Composite group flashing (2 + 1) |