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
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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) |