BOATING BASICS: BUOYS & MARKERS,
LATERAL MARKERS, NON-LATERAL
MARKERS AND ANCHORING EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
ANSWERS
U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON) - Answer-Buoys and markers are the "traffic
signals" that guide vessel operators safely along some waterways. They also identify
dangerous or controlled areas and give directions and information. As a recreational
boat or PWC operator, you will need to know the lateral navigation markers and non-
lateral markers of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System.
Red Colors, Red Lights, and Even Numbers - Answer-These mark the edge of the
channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter from the open sea or head
upstream. Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea
or head upstream.
Green Colors, Green Lights, and Odd Numbers - Answer-These mark the edge of the
channel on your port (left) side as you enter from the open sea or head upstream.
Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea or head
upstream.
Red and Green Colors and/or Lights - Answer-These are placed at the junction of two
channels to indicate the preferred (primary) channel when a channel splits. If green is
on top, the preferred channel is to the right. If red is on top, the preferred channel is to
the left. These also are sometimes referred to as "junction buoys."
Upstream - Answer-In the direction that is against the current
Nun Buoys - Answer-These cone-shaped buoys are always marked with red markings
and even numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side
when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
Can Buoys - Answer-These cylindrical-shaped buoys are always marked with green
markings and odd numbers. They mark the edge of the channel on your port (left) side
when entering from the open sea or heading upstream.
Lighted Buoys - Answer-These buoys use the lateral marker shapes, colors, and they
have a matching colored light.
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