Ch 01.qxd 8/24/04 10:28 AM Page 1-3 The buoyage system used in the United States employs a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers, and lights. Whenever operating near buoys, keep in mind that the length of chain holding the buoy in place is likely to be several times the depth of the water, so the buoy may be some distance from its charted location, as well as from any danger or obstruction it is intended to mark. Do not come any closer to a buoy than necessary. Buoys with a cylindrical shape are called can buoys, while those with a conical shape are known as nun buoys. The shape often has significance in interpreting the meaning of the buoy. [Figure 1-3] Since a buoy’s primary purpose is to guide ships through preferred channels to and from the open sea, the colors, shapes, lights, and placement become meaningful in that context. Approaching from sea- ward, the left (port) side of the channel is marked with black or green can buoys. These buoys use odd numbers whose values increase as the vessel moves toward the coast. They also mark obstructions that should be kept to the vessel’s left when proceeding from seaward. The right side of the channel, or obstructions that should be kept to the vessel’s right when headed toward shore, are marked with red nun buoys. These shown on nautical charts prepared by the Office of Coast Survey (OCS), an office within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Light lists prepared by the Coast Guard describe light- ships, lighthouses, buoys, and daybeacons maintained on all navigable waters of the United States. Figure 1-3. Buoys typically used along waterways. 1-3 Figure 1-2. Seaplane landing areas have distinctive symbols to distinguish them from land airports. Keep to Right of Buoy or Piling  when Coming from Seaward Keep to Left of Buoy or Piling  when Coming from Seaward Keep to Right to Follow Primary Channel Coming from Seaward Keep to Left to Follow Primary Channel Coming from Seaward Mid-Channel Markers Seaplane Base No Facilities or Complete Information is Not Available Civil Seaplane Base with Fuel and Services Military Seaplane Base with Fuel and Services