A buoy is a device used to mark a location, indicate a waterway, or provide other information on the ocean. The purpose of a buoy varies greatly depending on its shape, color, design, etc. This article will introduce several commonly used buoys based on their different shapes.
1) Spar Buoy
Definition and Structure:
It is a slender buoy that floats vertically on the water with most of its volume underwater to provide sufficient buoyancy and maintain an upright state. Its shape resembles a huge, upright pole floating in the water. This type of buoy is generally stable and can maintain its position and attitude in harsh sea conditions.
Usage:
It is mainly used for navigation marking, marking the location of waterways and dangerous areas (such as reefs, shoals, etc.). In waters such as ports and waterways, spar buoys can help ships navigate safely, and crews determine their routes by observing the location and characteristics of buoys.
It can also be used for mooring, providing a temporary mooring point for small boats. Some fishermen may temporarily tie their boats to spar buoys when working offshore.
2）Conical Buoy
Definition and Structure:
The shape is conical with a wider bottom and a sharper top, which gives it better stability in the water and resists a certain degree of current and wave action.
It can be solid or hollow and usually has bright colors (such as red, green, etc.) for identification. For example, conical buoys are eye-catching and can be easily spotted by passing ships near some coastal breakwaters.
Usage:
Widely used for navigation assistance. At the edge of the channel, conical buoys can be used as boundary markers to instruct ships to follow a safe channel.
It can also be used to indicate the location of underwater facilities. For example, in some offshore wind farm construction areas, conical buoys can mark the location of underwater cables to remind ships to avoid anchoring in this area and other operations that may damage the cables.
3) Pillar Buoy
Definition and Structure:
It is a buoy with a distinct columnar shape, generally with a relatively large diameter and relatively high height. It is usually made of materials such as metal or high-strength plastic. Some pillar buoys have lamps, radar reflectors, and other devices on the top.
For example, the pillar buoys at the entrances of some large ports are sturdy and durable and can withstand large external forces.
Usage：
It is usually used for maritime traffic control. Large pillar buoys provide navigation information to ships through their identification (color, number, light signal, etc.) at key waterway intersections.
It can also carry some monitoring equipment to collect marine environmental data, such as water temperature and salinity. These data are very helpful for marine scientific research and weather forecasting.
4) Spherical Buoy
Definition and Structure：
Its shape is close to a sphere. The spherical structure enables it to be subjected to relatively uniform forces in all directions in the water and has good stability. Its floating state on the water surface is like a huge ball, partly floating above the water surface and partly below the water surface. The advantage of this shape is that it can evenly disperse the force when it is impacted by water currents and waves in any direction. No matter how the water currents and wind directions change, it can maintain its position and posture relatively stably and have higher stability.
Usage:
It is mainly used to mark specific areas, such as special purpose areas, weather buoys, etc. Spherical buoys are also commonly used in waters around ports and bays to help ships locate. They are usually decorated in bright colors such as orange, yellow, or red to enhance visibility. Common weather buoys and some buoys used for ocean monitoring usually adopt a spherical design.
Buoys are essential navigation compasses in marine navigation. We have many types of marine buoys for you to choose from, and all shapes and styles can be customized according to your needs. If you have some specific requirements, please feel free to contact us through our website.
