buoy, floating object anchored at a definite location to guide or warn mariners, to mark positions of submerged objects, or to moor vessels in lieu of anchoring. Two international buoyage systems are used to mark channels and submerged dangers. In both systems, buoys of standardized colours and shapes indicate safe passageways. Special-purpose buoys are designed for a variety of uses; they include cable buoys, anchor buoys, or race buoys. A mooring buoy differs from other types in not being an aid to navigation but a point to which vessels may be tied up. Secured to a permanent group of anchors by a heavy chain, such a buoy serves as a connecting link between the vessel and the anchors. The use of mooring buoys conserves space in crowded harbours because a moored vessel requires less room to swing with the wind and tide than does a vessel at anchor.
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.A bifurcation buoy is used to mark the point at which a channel divides into two branches.
A bifurcation buoy is used to mark the point where a channel devises in to branches. You may pass this buoy on either side (port or starboard side) when moving upstream. It's coloured with red and green bands. The main or preferred channel is shown by the color of the top band.
Bifurcation buoys are used at junctions (where one channel splits into two channels). Naturally, one of the two channels will be wider, deeper, and safer; it is the main channel. The purpose of the bifurcation junction buoy is to indicate which channel is the main channel.
A diving buoy marks an area where diving activity is taking place. It is a flagcoloured red with a white diagonal stripe, extending from the tip of the hoist to the bottom of the fly.
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If a diving operation takes place from aboard a pleasure craft, Code flag Alpha or flag A (white and blue) from the International Code of signals which means “I have a diver in the water, keep well clear and at low speed” must be displayed.
This particular mark is quite interesting as it can be viewed from two different perspectives. On one hand, it is known as the Safe Water Mark, as it signifies the point where a vessel leaves behind the safety of a buoyed area and ventures into the vast open sea.
On the other hand, when a vessel approaches this mark from the open sea, it is referred to as the Fairway Buoy. It serves as a clear indication that a buoyed channel or harbor is about to begin.
The primary purpose of this mark is simply to define the boundary of a buoyed harbor, acting as a guiding beacon for mariners.
You can easily identify this mark by its distinctive red and white vertical stripes that alternate all around. And if it has a top mark, it will be a striking red ball.
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