R651-203. Waterway Marking System  


R651-203-1. Regulatory Markers
Latest version.

An orange cross within an orange diamond, on end, means: "Boats Keep Out."

An orange circle means: "Controlled Area."

An orange diamond, on end, without a cross means: "Danger."

An orange square or rectangle: "Provides Information."

(1) The following regulatory symbols shall be international orange on a white background, and descriptive wording within or accompanying the regulatory symbols shall be in black letters.

(2) When the regulatory symbols are displayed on a buoy, an orange band should encircle the buoy near the water line and near the top.


R651-203-2. Channel Markers
Latest version.

(1) White buoys with red vertical stripes mark the center of a channel and may be lettered alphabetically from downstream to upstream.

(2) Green can buoys, odd numbers, mark the left side, and red nun buoys, even numbers, mark the right side of a channel when proceeding upstream or returning from the main body of water.


R651-203-3. Mooring Buoy
Latest version.

A mooring buoy is white and is designated with a blue band which is at least three inches wide and encircles the buoy halfway between the waterline and the top.


R651-203-4. Diver's Flag
Latest version.

A square, red flag with a white diagonal stripe from one top corner to the opposite bottom corner should be used to indicate the presence of a diver below. A rigid replica of the International Code "A" flag not less than one meter in height may also be used. The operator of any vessel shall not approach within 150 feet of a posted diver's flag, unless the vessel is part of the equipment in use by the divers.


R651-203-5. Obeying Waterway Markers
Latest version.

The operator of a vessel shall obey the markings or instructions of any official waterway marker.