Lesson previewRegion A Lateral Marks1 section shown
Preview lesson
Region A Lateral Marks
What you will learn
Use the charted conventional direction of buoyage to identify Region A port- and starboard-hand marks and state what each mark defines without turning it into an automatic helm order.
Region A lateral colours describe the two sides of a channel only in the established direction of buoyage: red is port-hand and green is starboard-hand.
Lateral marks are positioned in relation to a conventional direction of buoyage and identify the port and starboard sides of a route or channel. In Region A, the port-hand mark is red and the starboard-hand mark is green when proceeding in that established direction.
The local direction must come from the applicable current chart or competent-authority information. The general seaward-to-harbour or upstream pattern is useful orientation, but the boat's present heading, the tidal stream and a remembered word such as 'inbound' cannot settle every bend, junction or locally defined waterway.
When travelling in the conventional direction, a port-hand mark is left to port and a starboard-hand mark to starboard. That describes the channel-side relationship; it does not say that the safest track is a straight line midway between every pair of buoys or that close passage to the mark is required.
Recognition and action remain separate. Confirm the mark from position, colour, shape or topmark, light and sequence, then use depth, hazards, traffic, local directions and the vessel's needs to choose a track within the charted route.
| Region A identity | Daylight cues | In the conventional direction | Still establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port-hand lateral mark | Red; cylindrical/can, pillar or spar; red can topmark if fitted | Defines the port side; leave the mark to port | Local direction, charted route, depth, traffic and passing margin |
| Starboard-hand lateral mark | Green; conical, pillar or spar; green cone point-up topmark if fitted | Defines the starboard side; leave the mark to starboard | Local direction, charted route, depth, traffic and passing margin |
Translate a harbour approach before steering
The approach chart shows the conventional direction into the harbour. A red can-shaped buoy and a green conical buoy are visible, but a dredged track bends between them and outbound traffic is approaching.
1. Fix the reference direction
Use the charted conventional direction, not the vessel's momentary heading or the tidal stream.
2. Identify both marks
Red with the can cue is port-hand; green with the cone cue is starboard-hand in Region A.
3. Read the route
Follow the charted bend and soundings rather than drawing an assumed straight centreline between the buoys.
4. Choose the safe track
Allow for depth, traffic, vessel handling, weather and a margin from the marks while continuing to monitor the sequence.
Sense check: If the planned track is based only on red-left and green-right, it has not yet accounted for the charted bend, depth or opposing traffic.
Common mistake or limitation
- Applying red and green before confirming the local conventional direction of buoyage.
- Treating the vessel's current heading or the tidal stream as though it renames the marks.
- Using the buoys as an automatic centreline or close turning points without checking the charted route and vessel margin.
Recap
- Region A uses red port-hand and green starboard-hand lateral marks in the conventional direction.
- The chart or competent authority establishes that direction for the waterway.
- A mark defines a channel side; the charted route, conditions and vessel determine the track.
Optional quick check
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