The Canadian Aids to Navigation System (2001) - Continued

PRIVATE AIDS TO NAVIGATION

GENERAL

In Canada it is permissable for private individuals, clubs, corporations or other groups to establish aids to navigation or mooring buoys for their own use. Such aids to navigation are known as "private aids" and those that are advertised in the List of Lights, Buoys and Fog Signals and on the charts are so identified. Private aids to navigation are defined as those aids to navigation or mooring buoys which are not operated by Federal or Provincial government or agency.

The Canadian Coast Guard recognizes the value of these aids in contributing to the safety and well-being of the boating community, particularly in areas where Coast Guard policy or resource limitations do not allow for aids to navigation service.

Although it is not necessary to obtain Coast Guard's permission to place or operate private aids, all private buoys must conform to the Private Buoy Regulations. Under these Regulations private buoys must not mislead, interfere with, or endanger any vessel and all must conform to the Coast Guard specifications for buoy identification and usage as set out in this manual. The Private Buoy Regulations apply to all private buoys placed for the purpose of navigation or mooring with the exception of those buoys which are used to mark fishing apparatus.

The Private Buoy Regulations have been enacted to ensure that private buoys are not a hazard to navigation and that they conform to accepted International standards. In situations in which a private buoy does not meet such standards, Coast Guard is authorized to order its repair. Where a private buoy interferes with, or misleads a mariner, the Coast Guard is authorized to affect its immediate removal. Under the Canada Shipping Act, persons failing to follow the legislated guidelines may be liable on summary conviction to fines of up $200.

In the event of an accident involving a private buoy, the person(s) owning that aid to navigation may be held liable for any damages resulting from negligent operation and/or maintenance of the buoy. Thus, owners are advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure that private buoys conform to Coast Guard standards and are operated and maintained in the proper manner. Where possible, shared operation under the auspices of a boating or other organization or the purchase of liability insurance is recommended.

NOTE: For further information regarding the ownership of a private buoy see the Canadian Coast Guard publication An Owner's Guide to Private Aids to Navigation. See listing on page 50.

MARKINGS AND DIMENSIONS

In the Canada Shipping Act, Private Buoy Regulations, all private buoys in Canada are required to conform to the aids to navigation standards set out herein. As such, all requirements for buoy identification and marking, apart from those relating to size and lettering, are described throughout this manual.

The Private Buoy Regulations require that private buoys meet minimum above water dimensions of 15.25 cm (6 inches) in width and 30.5 cm (12 inches) in height. This should be regarded as the absolute minimum, suitable only for very sheltered, low traffic areas. In general, the buoy should be large enough to be seen at the distance for which it`s signal can be interpreted to allow for timely action by the mariner. Consideration should be given to both adverse weather conditions and varying sea states. The Private Buoy Regulations allow the Coast Guard the authority to require buoys to be larger than the minimum, be equipped with retroreflective material, or be altered in any other way in the interest of safety (e.g. addition of lights, sound appliances, etc.) in accordance with prevailing site conditions.

The Private Buoy Regulations also require that buoys display, on two opposite sides, the capital letters "PRIV". These letter are to be as large as practical for the size of the buoy and contrasting in colour: white when the background colour is red, green or black, and black when the background colour is white or yellow. Additionally, the current name, address and telephone number of the owner of the buoy must be displayed in a permanent and legible manner.

If the owner of a private buoy wishes to place additional numbers or letters on a buoy for identification purposes, the number or letter system MUST NOT correspond to the letter and number system used by the Coast Guard in that immediate area. This serves to ensure that there is no confusion between Government operated aids, private aids and any other charted aids.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

When a private buoy(s) is placed in charted waters, it is desirable to provide Coast Guard with sufficient information to allow for publication of their positions and characteristics in marine notices (Notices to Mariners; Notices to Shipping) and for charting of the buoy(s) by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. Owners should also advise the nearest Coast Guard office of any changes to existing charted buoys.

CANADIAN LIGHT FLASH CHARACTERS

In Canada, all lighted aids to navigation, with the exception of those aids equipped with fixed (continuous) lighting, follow an established light flash character pattern. Such characters describe the periodic rhythm of a navigation light, thus enabling it to be identified on charts or while in visual contact.

A light flash character may be expressed as a series of letters and numbers which describe the operating characteristics of a particular light. The following provides an example of such a character as it might appear in the List of Lights or any other Coast Guard publication:

EXAMPLE:

In all cases, the first letter(s) in the light flash character gives reference to the general light flash type or classification. This classification is based on the duration of illumination in relation to eclipse (darkness) for each light flash. In the above example, the letter "Q" indicates that the aid is equipped with a quick flashing light; a quick flashing light being one which flashes at a rate of one flash per second.

Where a light exhibits group flashes, the second symbol in the character will indicate the number of flashes in each grouping. In the example above, the "(6)" indicates that flashes occur in groups of 6. Where the aid exhibits a single, ungrouped flash no value will be shown.

Any additional flash that may be included in the sequence will be indicated by the use of a "+" in the character followed by reference to an additional flash or flash grouping. For example, in the above illustration, the quick (Q) six flash grouping (6) is followed by a long flash (+LFl).

The final number in the light flash character identifies the period of time within which the entire flash sequence occurs. The 15s in the above character indicates that the entire flash sequence will be repeated every 15 seconds or 4 times every minute.

Once the entire light flash character is taken into account, the mariner should be able to correctly identify the aid (e.g. the example above is the light flash character for a South Cardinal buoy).

Graphic: IALA Maritime Bouyage System

BUOYS

The buoyage system used in Canada corresponds to the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) Maritime Buoyage System which has been adopted by all of the major maritime nations in the world. This system includes lateral, cardinal, and special buoys.

For lateral buoys, the IALA Maritime Buoyage System divides the world into two regions, "A" and "B". Within Region "B", which comprises all of North and South America, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, starboard hand buoys are red and port hand buoys are green. Within Region "A", which includes the rest of the world, the application of these colours is reversed (i.e. red to port and green to starboard). Bifurcation buoys are similarly affected in that the predominant colour of starboard bifurcation buoys is red in Region "B" and green in Region "A" and that of port bifurcation buoys is green in Region "B" and red in Region "A". All other aspects of the IALA Maritime Buoyage System are the same in both Regions "A" and "B".

Since the shape and/or colour of a buoy and the colour and flash character of the light on the buoy indicate the function of the buoy, it is essential that mariners use up to date nautical charts with this system.

NAVIGATION BUOYS

LATERAL BUOYS

Lateral buoys indicate the side on which they may be safely passed. There are six types of lateral buoys: port hand, starboard hand, port bifurcation, starboard bifurcation, fairway, and isolated danger.

Port Hand Buoy

1. A port hand buoy marks the port (left) side of a channel or the location of a danger which must be kept on the vessel's port (left) side when proceeding in the upstream direction.
2. A port hand buoy is coloured green, displays identification letter(s) and odd number(s) and

1. if it carries a light, the light is green and is a flashing (Fl)4s or quick flashing (Q)1s light,
2. if it carries retroreflective material, such material is green,
3. if it does not carry a light, it has a flat top, and
4. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single green cylinder.

Starboard Hand Buoy

1. A starboard hand buoy marks the starboard (right) side of a channel or the location of a danger which must be kept on the vessel's starboard (right) side when proceeding in the upstream direction.
2. A starboard hand buoy is coloured red, displays identification letter(s) and even number(s) and

1. if it carries a light, the light is red and is a flashing (Fl)4s or quick flashing (Q)1s light,
2. if it carries retroreflective material, such material is red,
3. if it does not carry a light, it has a pointed (conical) top, and
4. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single red cone, point upward.

Port Bifurcation Buoy

1. A port bifurcation buoy marks the point where a channel divides when viewed from
   a vessel proceeding in the upstream direction and indicates that the preferred or main channel is on the starboard (right) side of the buoy.
2. A port bifurcation buoy is coloured green with one broad red horizontal band, displays identification letter(s), and

1. if it carries a light, the light is green and is a composite group flashing
   Fl(2+1)6s or Fl(2+1)10s light,
2. if it carries retroreflective material, such material is green,
3. if it does not carry a light, the top of the buoy is flat, and
4. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single green cylinder.

Starboard Bifurcation Buoy

1. A starboard bifurcation buoy marks the point where a channel divides when viewed
   from a vessel proceeding in the upstream direction and indicates the
   preferred or main channel is on the port (left) side of the buoy.
2. A starboard bifurcation buoy is coloured red with one broad green horizontal band, displays identification letter(s), and

1. if it carries a light, the light is red and is a composite group flashing
   Fl(2+1)6s or Fl(2+1)10s light,
2. if it carries retroreflective material, such material is red,
3. if it does not carry a light, the top of the buoy is conical, and
4. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single red cone, point upward.

Fairway Buoy

1. A fairway buoy indicates safe water. Used to mark landfalls, channel entrances or the centre of a channel. It may be passed on either side but should be kept to the port (left) when proceeding in either direction.
2. A fairway buoy is coloured red and white in wide vertical stripes of equal widths, displays identification letter(s), and
   
   
   1. if it carries a light, the light is white and is either a Morse "A" Mo(A)6s light
      or a long flash (LFI)10s light,
   2. if it carries retroreflective material, such material is white,
   3. if it does not carry a light, the top of the buoy is spherical, and
   4. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single red sphere.

   Isolated Danger Buoy

   1. An isolated danger buoy is moored on, or above, an isolated danger which has navigable water all around it.
   2. An isolated danger buoy is black with one broad red horizontal band, displays identification letter(s), and
      
      
   1. if it carries a light, the it is white and a group flashing Fl(2)5s or Fl(2)10s light,
   2. if it carries retroreflective material, such material is white,
   3. if it does not carry a light, it is normally spar shaped although other shapes may be used, and
   4. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is two black spheres, one above the other.

   CARDINAL BUOYS

   Cardinal buoys indicate the location of the safest or deepest water by reference to the cardinal points of the compass. There are four cardinal buoys: North, East, South and West.

   If a cardinal buoy carries retroreflective material, such material is white. Where lights are not present, the cardinal buoy will normally be spar shaped although other shapes may be used.

   North Cardinal Buoy

   1. A north cardinal buoy is located so that the safest water exists to the north of it.
   2. A north cardinal buoy is coloured black and yellow in approximately equal areas above the waterline, the top half of the buoy being black and the lower half being yellow. It displays identification letter(s) and
      
      
   1. if it carries a light, the light is white and is a quick flashing (Q)1s or very quick flashing (VQ)5s Iight, and
   2. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is two black cones, one above the other, points upward.

   East Cardinal Buoy

   1. An east cardinal buoy is located so that the safest water exists to the east of it.
   2. An east cardinal buoy is coloured black with one broad yellow horizontal band. It displays identification letter(s) and

   1. if it carries a light, the light is white and is a group quick flashing three Q(3)10s or a group very quick flashing three VQ(3)5s light, and
   2. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is two black cones, one above the other, base to base.

   South Cardinal Buoy

   1. A south cardinal buoy is located so that the safest water exists to the south of it.
   2. A south cardinal buoy is coloured black and yellow in approximately equal areas above the waterline, the top half of the buoy being yellow and the lower half being black. It displays identification letter(s) and
      
      
   1. if it carries a light, the light is white and is a group quick flashing six plus long flash (Q(6)+LFI)15s light or group very quick flashing six plus long flash (VQ(6)+LFI)10s light, and,
   2. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is two black cones, one above the other, points downward.

   West Cardinal Buoy

   1. A west cardinal buoy is located so that the safest water exists to the west of it.
   2. A west cardinal buoy is coloured yellow with one broad black horizontal band. It displays identification letter(s) and
      
      
   1. if it carries a light, the light is white and is a group quick flashing nine Q(9)15s light or a group very quick flashing nine VQ(9)10s light, and
   2. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is two black cones, one above the other, point to point.

   SPECIAL BUOYS

   Special buoys are used to convey, a variety of information to the mariner, which while important, is not primarily intended to assist in the navigation of the vessel. The shapes of special buoys have no significance and a variety of shapes may be used in practice.

   Many special buoys are privately owned. As required by the Private Buoy Regulations such buoys must display the letters "PRIV" as well as the owner's name, address and telephone number. They will not display numbers or letters conforming to the Coast Guard identification system.

   In cases where special buoys display retroreflective material, such material will reflect the same colour as that of its required markings (e.g. keepout buoys are identified by an orange symbol, thus, the retroreflective material will also be orange). Where no colour is required (i.e. white swimming and diving buoys) retroreflective material will display yellow.

   Regardless of the colour of reflective material, all special buoys, where lighted, will display yellow lights. With the exception of ODAS buoys, these lights will be flashing (Fl)4s, meaning that they will flash regularly at intervals of 4 seconds each. ODAS Buoys, if lighted, will also carry yellow lights but will display a group flashing character of 5 flashes every 20 seconds, Fl(5)20s.

   NOTE: Keepout and Control buoys are governed by the Canada Shipping Act, Boating Restriction Regulations. ODAS and Diving buoys are governed by the Canada Shipping Act, Collision Regulations.

   Anchorage Buoy

   1. An anchorage buoy marks the perimeter of a designated anchorage area.
   2. An anchorage buoy is coloured yellow, displays a black anchor symbol on at leasttwo opposite sides, displays identification letter(s), and if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single yellow "X" shape.

   Cautionary Buoy

   1. A cautionary buoy marks an area where mariners are to be warned of dangers such as firing ranges, racing courses, seaplane bases, underwater structures or aquaculture, of areas where no safe through channel exists, and of traffic separations. The mariner must consult his chart to determine the precise nature of the danger being marked.
   2. A cautionary buoy is coloured yellow, displays identification letter(s) and if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single yellow "X" shape.

   Control Buoy

   1. A control buoy marks an area where boating is restricted.
   2. A control buoy is coloured white and has an orange, open faced circle on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the circles. A black figure or symbol inside the orange circles indicates the nature of the restriction in effect. It may display identification letter(s).

   Diving Buoy

   1. A diving buoy marks an area where scuba or other such diving activity is in progress.
   2. A diving buoy is coloured white and carries a red flag not less than 50 centimetres square with a white diagonal stripe extending from the tip of the hoist to the bottom of the fly. It may display identification letter(s) and if it carries retroreflective material, such material is yellow.

   Hazard Buoy

   1. A hazard buoy marks random hazards such as rocks, shoals or turbulent waters located outside the main channel.
   2. A hazard buoy is coloured white and has an orange diamond on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbols. Information words or symbols concerning the hazard may be placed within the diamond symbol, or if space doesn't permit, between the orange bands. It may also display identification letter(s).

   Information Buoy

   1. An information buoy displays, by means of words or symbols, information of interest to the mariner.
   2. An information buoy is coloured white and has an orange, open faced square symbol on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the square symbols. The information words or symbols are black and are placed within the white face of the square symbol. It may display identification letter(s).

   Keepout Buoy

   1. A keepout buoy marks an area where boats are prohibited.
   2. A keepout buoy is coloured white and has an orange diamond containing an orange cross on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbols. It may display identification letter(s).

   Mooring Buoy

   1. A mooring buoy is used for mooring or securing a vessel, seaplane, etc.
   2. A mooring buoy is coloured white and orange, the orange colour covering the top one third of the buoy above the waterline. It may display identification letter(s).

   Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) Buoy

   1. An ODAS buoy marks a scientific, meteorological or oceanographic station.
   2. An ODAS buoy shall not exhibit a shape that conflicts with any navigational mark.
   3. An ODAS buoy is coloured yellow, displays identification letter(s) and
      
      
   1. if it carries a light, the light is yellow and is a group flashing light of 5 flashes every 20 seconds, Fl(5)20s, and
   2. if it carries a topmark, the topmark is a single yellow "X" shape.

   Swimming Buoy

   1. A swimming buoy marks the perimeter of a swimming area.
   2. A swimming buoy is coloured white and may display identification letter(s)

   

   DAYTIME IDENTIFICATION

   During daytime, the colour and shape of a buoy indicate the buoy type and hence its function and interpretation by the mariner.

   Buoy Colour

   The following are the buoy colours used in the Canadian Buoyage System:

   Buoy Colours - Canadian Buoyage System

   Buoy Type	Colour
   Port	Green
   Starboard	Red
   Fairway	Red and White vertical stripes
   Isolated Danger	Black with one broad horizontal Red band
   Port Bifurcation	Green with one horizontal Red band
   Starboard Bifurcation	Red with one horizontal Green band
   North Cardinal	Black above Yellow
   East Cardinal	Black with one broad horizontal Yellow band
   South Cardinal	Yellow above Black
   West Cardinal	Yellow with one broad horizontal Black band
   Anchorage Cautionary ODAS	Yellow
   Mooring Keepout Control Hazard Information	White with Orange symbols
   Swimming	White
   Diving	White with Red and White flag

   Buoy Shape

   The shape of an unlighted buoy indicates the position of the buoy with respect to the channel and thus the side on which the buoy should be passed:

   1. A pointed (conical) shape indicates that the buoy is marking the starboard (right) side of the channel or the location of a danger which must be kept on the vessel's starboard (right) side when proceeding upstream.
   2. A flat top or cylindrical (can) shape indicates that the buoy is marking the port (left) side of the channel or the location of a danger which must be kept on the vessel's port (left) side when proceeding upstream. Flat topped (can) buoys are also used for some applications where the shape of the buoy has no significance (for example, special buoys and (rarely) cardinal buoys). In the placement of such buoys, care is taken not to convey an unsafe message in the event that the meaning of the buoy is interpreted by shape only.
   3. A spherical shape indicates that the buoy is marking the centre of the channel or safe water and that it may be safely passed on either side although generally it should be kept on the vessel's port (left) side when proceeding in either direction.

   Topmarks

   The use of topmarks as an additional means of daytime buoy identification is at present, restricted to lateral and cardinal buoys in ice free conditions. Topmarks are not used in Canada to the extent that they are used in other parts of the world because of the environmental conditions which Canadian aids to navigation must endure. Mariners are cautioned not to rely solely on topmarks as a means of buoy identification as they are susceptible to damage and may be intentionally removed during winter and ice conditions.

   However, the Canadian Buoyage System includes topmarks for each buoy as follows:

   Topmarks - Canadian Buoyage System

   Buoy Type	Topmark Description
   Port and Port Bifurcation	Single Green cylinder
   Starboard and Starboard Bifurcation	Single Red cone, point upward
   Fairway	Single Red sphere
   Isolated Danger	2 Black spheres, one above the other
   North Cardinal	2 Black cones, points upward
   East Cardinal	2 Black cones, base to base
   South Cardinal	2 Black cones, points downward
   West Cardinal	2 Black cones, point to point

   NOTE: A way of remembering the arrangement of the conical topmarks on Cardinal Buoys is to relate the direction of the points of the cones to the location of the black portion(s) of the buoy (e.g. on an East Cardinal, the upper cone pointing up and the lower cone pointing down relate to the black colour of the upper and lower portions of the buoy).

   

   NIGHTTIME IDENTIFICATION

   At night, the colour and flash character of a buoy light indicate the buoy type and hence its function and interpretation by the mariner.

   Buoy Light Flash Characters

   The following are the names, abbreviations and descriptions of the flash characters of the lights used in the Canadian Buoyage System:

   Names, abbreviations and descriptions of buoy light flash characters

   Name	Abbreviation	Description	Buoy
   Flashing	FI	A light in which a 0.5 second flash is regularly repeated at a rate of 15 flashes per minute (one flash every 4 seconds)	Port Starboard Anchorage Cautionary Mooring Keepout Control Hazard Information Swimming Diving
   Quick Flashing	Q	A light in which a 0/3 second flash is regularly repeated at a rate of 60 flashes per minute (one flash every second)	Port Starboard North Cardinal
   Very Quick	VQ	A light in which a flash is regularly repeated at a rate of 120 flashes per minute (a flash every 1/2 second)	North Cardinal
   Morse "A"	Mo(A)	A light in which a 0.3 second flash is followed by a 0.6 second eclipse then a one second long flash repeated at a rate of 10 times per minute (every 6 seconds)	Fairway
   Long Flash	LFI	A light in which a flash of 2 seconds duration is repeated at a rate of 6 flashes per minute (one flash every 10 seconds)	Fairway
   Group Flashing (2)	FI(2)5s or FI(2)10s	A light in which a group of 2 flashes is regularly repeated 12 times per minute (every 5 seconds) or A light in which a group of 2 flashes is regularly repeated 6 times per minute (every 10 seconds)	Isolated Danger
   Composite Group Flashing	FI(2+1)6s or FI(2+1)10s	A light in which a group of 2 flashes is followed by a single flash, the whole sequence being repeated 10 times per minute (every 6 seconds) or A light in which a group of 2 flashes is followed by a single flash, the whole sequence being repeated 6 times per minute (every 10 seconds)	Port and Starboard Bifurcation
   Group Quick Flashing (3)	Q(3)10s	A quick flashing light in which a group of 3 flashes is regularly repeated 6 times per minute (every 10 seconds)	East Cardinal
   Group Very Quick Flashing (3)	VQ(3)5s	A very quick flashing light in which a group of 3 flashes is regularly repeated 12 times per minute (every 5 seconds)	East Cardinal
   Group Quick Flashing (6) + Long Flash	(Q(6)+LFI)15s	A light in which a group of 6 quick flashes is followed by a single long flash, the whole sequence being regularly repeated 6 times per minute (every 15 seconds)	South Cardinal
   Group Very Quick Flashing (6) + Long Flash	(VQ(6)+LFI)10s	A light in which a group of 6 very quick flashes is followed by a single long flash, the whole sequence being regularly repeated 6 times per minute (every 10 seconds)	South Cardinal
   Group Quick Flashing (9)	Q(9)15s	A quick flashing light in which a group of 9 flashes is regularly repeated 4 times per minute (every 15 seconds)	West Cardinal
   Group Very Quick Flashing (9)	VQ(9)10s	A very quick flashing light in which a group of 9 flashes is regularly repeated 6 times per minute (every 10 seconds)	West Cardinal
   Group Flashing (5)	FI(5)20s	A light in which a group of 5 flashes is regularly repeated 3 times per minute (every 20 seconds)	ODAS

   NOTE: As a way of remembering the light flash characters of the East, South and West Cardinal buoys, the number of flashes in each group for these lights is the same as the figure on the clock face in the corresponding compass direction (e.g. the 3 flashes in each group for the East cardinal corresponds to three o'clock). The long flash in the South Cardinal character ensures that there is no confusion between the 6 flashes per group of this buoy and the 9 flashes per group of the West Cardinal.

   Buoy Light Colour

   The following are the colours of the buoy lights used in the Canadian Buoyage System:

   Buoy Light Colours - Canadian Buoyage System

   Buoy Type	Light Colour
   Port and Port Bifurcation	Green
   Starboard and Starboard Bifurcation	Red
   Fairway, Isolated Danger and all Cardinals	White
   All Special Buoys	Yellow

   Retroreflective Material

   Retroreflective material is applied to unlighted buoys to aid in their nighttime identification with a flashlight or other light source and to lighted buoys as a back up to the light. For all buoys other than special buoys the colour of the retroreflective material is the same as that of the light which would be appropriate for each buoy. In cases where a special buoy is equipped with retroreflective material for use with number or letter plates/backgrounds, the colour of that material will be yellow. Additionally, where a buoy exhibits an orange symbol (e.g. Hazard), orange retroreflective material may be added to enhance visibility of the symbol.

   NOTE: Swimming and diving buoys, which are white in colour, will use yellow retroreflective material.

   

   OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

   Buoy Numbering

   Only starboard and port hand buoys are numbered; starboard hand buoys with even numbers and port hand buoys with odd numbers. Buoy numbers increase in the upstream direction and are kept in approximate sequence on both sides of the channel by omitting numbers where required. Buoy numbers are usually preceded by one or two letters to facilitate channel identification. All other types of buoys are identified by letters only. All types of buoys may be identified by a name in addition to a number or letter identification. Private buoys are not numbered or lettered as are Coast Guard buoys. Instead, they display the letters "PRIV" and other information required by the Private Buoy Regulations.

   Sound

   Any of the buoy types in the Canadian Buoyage System may be fitted with a bell or a whistle that is activated by the motion of the buoy in the water. The use of such buoys is generally restricted to coastal waters where there is sufficient buoy motion to activate the sound device and where there is a requirement for an audio signal to enable location of the buoy under low visibility conditions.

   Radar Reflectors

   Many buoys are fitted with radar reflectors to improve their visibility on the radar screen.

   Radar Beacons (RACONS)

   When precise identification of a buoy is considered essential, the buoy may be fitted with a radar beacon (RACON). See page 35 for a further explanation of these devices.

   Marking of New Dangers

   New dangers such as a shipwreck or the discovery of an uncharted shoal or rock can occur suddenly and unexpectedly in waters which mariners have come to regard as safe. The Canadian Buoyage System makes the following special provisions for these hazards:

   1. One or more of the buoys marking the new danger may be duplicated, the duplicate being identical to its partner in all respects.
   2. In general, any lighted lateral or cardinal buoy used to mark a new danger will display the most rapid flash character available for that buoy.
   3. A new danger may be marked by a RACON coded Morse "D".
   4. Special measures taken to mark a new danger may be discontinued when information concerning the new danger has been sufficiently promulgated.

   

   Graphic: The Canadian Aids to Navigation System
   (this insert is not included in the online PDF version)

    

   

   © Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2001
   Cat. No. T31-29/2001E
   ISBN 0-660-18569-5
   Ottawa, Canada

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