Navigating safely through harbors and channels is impossible without a clear understanding of maritime buoyage. Among the most essential aids to navigation are starboard-hand buoys and port-hand buoys. These lateral marks guide vessels and ensure safe passage in and out of waterways. But what are they, how are they marked, and why do their appearances differ across the world? Let’s explore.
What is a Starboard Hand Buoy?
A starboard-hand buoy marks the starboard (right) side of a channel when entering from the sea. Mariners should keep this buoy on their starboard side when returning to the harbor. These buoys are crucial for avoiding shallow waters, rocks, or other obstructions.
What Colour is a Starboard Hand Buoy?
The color of a starboard-hand buoy depends on the region:
Region A (Europe, Africa, Asia): Green with a conical (pointed) top mark.
Region B (Americas, Japan, Philippines, Korea): Red with a conical top mark.
This system ensures consistent navigation within each region but differs globally.
What is a Port Hand Buoy?
A port-hand buoy marks the port (left) side of a channel when entering from the sea. Vessels should keep this buoy to their port side. These buoys help vessels navigate safely into harbors or upstream areas.
What Does a Port Hand Buoy Look Like?
Port-hand buoys also vary by region:
Region A: Red, cylindrical (can-shaped) with a flat top mark.
Region B: Green, cylindrical with a flat top mark.
They are often fitted with retroreflective tape and lights for night navigation.
Region A vs. Region B: Why Are They Different?
After World War II, international shipping needed a unified buoyage system. But countries couldn’t agree on whether red meant left or right. It’s said that French and American delegates debated buoy colors for days at IALA meetings. The compromise? Two regions:
Region A: Red = port side
Region B: Red = starboard side
IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) made this official, promoting safety while respecting regional practices.
At ZAZ Buoys, we manufacture high-quality IALA-compliant buoys for both regions, helping ports and mariners stay safe and compliant.
Contact us to learn more about custom buoy solutions for your port or project.
