IALA Lateral Marks (Region A & B)
Lateral marks indicate port and starboard sides of channels. Region A: red to port. Region B: red to starboard.
Lateral marks indicate the port and starboard sides of navigable channels. The IALA system has two regions:
Region A (Europe, Africa, most of Asia, Australia): - Port (left) side: red can/cylindrical buoys, red light - Starboard (right) side: green conical buoys, green light
Region B (Americas, Japan, Korea, Philippines): - Port (left) side: green can/cylindrical buoys, green light - Starboard (right) side: red conical/nun buoys, red light
The "direction of buoyage" is generally from seaward towards harbour. When in doubt, consult the chart for the conventional direction of buoyage.
Key Takeaways
Region A: red to port when entering from seaward
Region B: red to starboard when entering from seaward
Can/cylindrical buoys mark port side, conical mark starboard (Region A)
Direction of buoyage is from seaward towards harbour
Common Mistakes
Confusing Region A and Region B colour conventions
Not checking which IALA region you are navigating in
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