Out at sea, it's common to spot a red and white striped buoy — but have you ever wondered what it actually means?
This type of buoy is officially known as a Fairway Buoy or Safe Water Buoy, and it's more than just a colorful object on the water. In this blog, we’ll explain what the red and white buoy stands for, how to recognize it, and where it's typically used in marine navigation.
What Is a Fairway Buoy?
A Fairway Buoy — also known as a Safe Water Buoy or Mid-Channel Buoy — is a navigation aid used to mark the beginning, middle, or centerline of a safe water channel. It signals to mariners that they are in a navigable area where the water is deep and clear, and vessels may safely pass on either side. If you’ve ever wondered what buoy indicates safe water, this is the one to know.
Fairway Buoy’s Standard Appearance (IALA Compliant)
Feature | Description |
Color | Red and white vertical stripes |
Shape | Pillar, spar, or spherical |
Topmark | Red ball (optional, for daytime visibility) |
Light | White light: Isophase or Morse Code "A" |
Region | Used in both IALA Region A and B |
According to IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities), these features are globally standardized.
Fairway Buoy’s Application Scenarios
This kind of buoy is typically used in:
-- Offshore port entrances
-- Deep-water fairways
-- Mid-channel navigation
-- Approach routes to safe anchorage
They provide a clear signal of safety to all passing vessels, even in busy or unfamiliar waters.
Fairway Buoy vs. Other Buoys
Type | Purpose | Color |
Fairway Buoy | Safe water all around | Red & white vertical stripes |
Mooring Buoy | Vessel mooring point | White with blue band |
Cardinal Buoy | Shows the safest direction | Yellow & black |
Lateral Buoy | Marks channel sides | Red or green |
Our Fairway Buoy Solution
We offer durable, IALA-compliant Fairway Buoys, available in:
1) Steel or polyethylene body
2) Custom heights and float diameters
3) Solar-powered lighting systems
4) Optional red ball top mark and radar reflector
5) Heavy-duty mooring chains included
(Our Fairway Buoys in Use)
Need Help with Marine Navigation Buoys?
Our buoys are all designed and manufactured to comply with IALA standards, ensuring high visibility, durability, and reliability even in challenging offshore environments. Whether you're planning a new port approach or upgrading existing aids to navigation, our engineering team can support your project from concept to delivery.
[Contact us now] for technical specs, CAD drawings, and a quote.
