As a boater navigating upstream, you’ll inevitably encounter buoys marking channels, hazards, and other important features. While buoys provide vital information, knowing what to do when passing them isn’t always straightforward. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dealing with buoys when traveling against the current.
Understanding Buoy Types and Meanings
The first step is understanding the different types of buoys and what they signify. There are lateral buoys that mark port and starboard sides of a channel, cardinal buoys indicating north, east, south, and west, and other specialty buoys marking hazards, dredging areas, and more. Here’s a quick guide to the most common buoy types:
| Buoy Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red Nun Buoy | Marks left or port side of channel when traveling upstream |
| Green Can Buoy | Marks right or starboard side of channel when traveling upstream |
| Red Conical Buoy | Marks center of channel away from hazards |
| Yellow Special Mark Buoy | Indicates dredging, anchorages, swim areas, etc. |
| Cardinal Buoys | Indicate north, east, south, west (named by color and shape) |
Knowing the meaning behind buoy colors, shapes, numbers, and topmarks is a critical part of safely navigating upstream. Carry a copy of the U.S. Aids to Navigation system with you for reference.
Pass Buoys on the Proper Side
When traveling upstream, always remember to pass red buoys on your port (left) side and green buoys on your starboard (right) side. This is the reverse of going downstream where green buoys are to port and red are to starboard. Passing buoys on the wrong side can put you in danger of running aground or colliding with other vessels. Here are some tips for proper buoy passing:
- Approach buoys at perpendicular angles to determine if they mark the channel side or middle.
- Give buoys a wide berth – at least 50 feet – to avoid scrapes or collisions.
- Be ready to alter course promptly when passing closely spaced buoys.
- Keep a vigilant lookout for oncoming traffic around buoys.
- Never tie up to a buoy which can result in fines and penalties.
Pay Close Attention to Cardinal Buoy Markings
Cardinal buoys indicate navigable channels and hazards relative to the four cardinal directions – north, east, south, west. When traveling upstream, cardinal buoys have the following meanings:
| Cardinal Buoy | Meaning When Traveling Upstream |
|---|---|
| Black buoy with white topmarks | Indicates north; pass to east or west |
| Yellow and black buoy with triangle topmarks | Indicates east; pass to north or south |
| Red and black buoy with square topmarks | Indicates south; pass to east or west |
| Red buoy with triangle topmarks | Indicates west; pass to north or south |
Always check cardinal buoy colors and shapes closely when traveling upstream. Pass on the indicated safe side to avoid hazards like shallows and obstacles.
Watch for Regulatory and Hazard Markers
In addition to lateral and cardinal buoys, keep an eye out for regulatory and hazard markers when voyaging upstream. These include:
- Special mark buoys – Indicate boat exclusion zones, swimming areas, anchorages, and other regulated regions. Observe and avoid.
- Hazard buoys – Mark dangerous areas like dams, rapids, rocks, and shoals. Give a very wide clearance.
- Mooring buoys – Show where vessels may anchor safely. Do not obstruct or interfere with moored boats.
- Information buoys – Provide directions, distances, locations, etc. Note information as you pass.
Upstream travel can be challenging enough without running afoul of regulations and hazards. Note special marker meanings and steer clear of danger zones.
Follow Safe Speed Recommendations
Many upstream channels where buoys are located have recommended safe speeds. Observe all posted speed limits, especially in narrower rivers and tributaries. Excessive speed creates hazards including:
- Reduced response time to alter course around buoys and other vessels.
- Wave and wake damage to other boats, structures, and shorelines.
- Difficulty keeping control and remaining within marked channels.
- Missing critical buoy markers and course information.
Also adjust speed for low visibility, congestion, adverse weather, and other factors that increase risk. Make safety the priority, not speed.
Use Care When Crossing from Channel to Channel
On large rivers with multiple marked channels, use caution when crossing from one channel to another. Treat this like any other crossing situation:
- Approach the crossover on a perpendicular angle to clearly see oncoming traffic.
- Proceed slowly with no wake until fully clear of the channel.
- Yield right-of-way to any vessels still in the channel.
- Double check buoy markings when entering the new channel.
- Avoid cutting corners on crossover turns which can put you out of the channel.
With good visibility, patience, and care, channel crossovers can be executed safely. Avoid distractions and stay alert.
Have Backup Navigation Aids Available
While buoys are extremely helpful for upstream travel, they should not be your sole means of navigation. GPS, charts, maps, and visual landmarks should supplement your buoy piloting. Reasons to have backup navigation aids include:
- Buoys can shift position or go missing.
- Poor visibility can obscure buoys.
- It’s easy to lose track of your positioning among a buoy field.
- Electronics like GPS can fail.
- Maps and charts provide additional data like depths and obstacles.
By combining buoys with other navigational resources, you have redundancy if one method is compromised. The more guides available, the better.
Study Up Before Departing
Don’t just hop onboard and head upstream without preparation. Be sure to study the route in advance using charts, maps, GPS tracklogs, boating apps, and local knowledge. Important things to research include:
- Locations of major buoys and channel markings.
- Cardinal directions and junctions of tributary channels.
- Hazards like shoals, submerged rocks, and strong currents.
- Areas with limited visibility or navigation challenges.
- Contingency plans for taking shelter if required.
The more familiar you are with a river’s buoy configuration, features, and potential risks, the better your voyage upstream will go.
Bring a Spotter to Help Look for Buoys
An extra set of eyeballs can make a big difference for spotting buoys and other hazards when boating upstream. Consider bringing along a passenger to serve as spotter and assist the captain. Duties of a spotter include:
- Scanning constantly for buoys and other watercraft.
- Calling out buoy locations, markings, and required course adjustments.
- Warning of any potential collision threats.
- Helping monitor electronics like radar and GPS.
- Assisting with tricky navigation around bridges and blind corners.
Having someone focused solely on lookout duties enhances safety considerably. Just be sure the spotter follows safe boating practices and does not distract the captain.
Trust Buoy Markings Over Appearances
When traveling upstream, the actual channel is sometimes not visually obvious. The deepest or widest part of a river may appear different than where buoys indicate the navigable route lies. In those cases, always trust the buoys over appearance. Reasons to follow markings include:
- Buoys map the dredged channel regardless of appearances.
- What looks deep from the surface may be shallow and hazardous.
- Markings are placed by detailed surveys instead of sight and intuition.
- Ignoring buoys can put you aground quickly.
Remember, buoys mark the safe passage even if it seems counterintuitive. Never stray outside charted channels unless absolutely necessary.
Prepare for Emergencies and Mishaps
Despite your best efforts, boating mishaps can occur while navigating upstream. Make sure you’re ready to respond properly should any emergencies arise.
- Carry first aid supplies, flares, and other safety equipment.
- Know how to quickly report your position if help is needed.
- Understand procedures for anchoring and waiting for aid.
- Have emergency contacts programmed into your phone or VHF.
- Consider supplemental boat insurance for accidents and trauma.
While hopefully never needed, emergency preparedness gives peace of mind should the worst occur around challenging buoys and channels.
Conclusion
Navigating upstream using buoys poses unique challenges compared to other boating situations. By understanding buoy meanings, passing properly, maintaining safe speeds, using backups, preparing thoroughly, and responding correctly in emergencies, you can have safer and less stressful voyages. Always give buoys and other boats plenty of clearance, keep distractions at a minimum, and use good judgement along the way. With caution and common sense, buoys can guide you on exciting upstream adventures.