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All questions
Buoyage

In IALA Region A, what do red and green lateral marks depend on?

Short answer

The conventional direction shown on the chart or specified by the competent authority

Lateral marks name the port and starboard sides of a channel in its conventional direction of buoyage. That direction is charted or set by the competent authority; it is not created by the boat's heading and cannot safely be assumed from a harbour or river mnemonic. Apply this before deciding how Region A red and green marks should appear, and revise Region A Lateral Marks and Direction.

Sources and scope

Reviewed by Richard Moore on . This answer is scoped to iala region a unless the answer says otherwise; check the current chart, publication, local rules and official operational guidance before acting afloat.

Quick check

In IALA Region A, what do red and green lateral marks depend on?