BOATERS BLOG

There is more to safe boating than wearing lifejackets, obeying the speed limit, not drinking while operating a boat, and watching out for swimmers and other watercrafts. You also need to be aware of the rules of the water, keep a lookout for buoys, and understand what the various buoy colors and symbols mean. If you are new to boating or need a refresher before sailing off into the sun, the experts here at NBOA have put together a short guide to vital buoy colors and symbols.

White & Orange Buoys 

Some of the most common buoys you will see while boating are white and orange buoys. Oftentimes, they look like white cylinders with an orange stripe on the top and bottom and an orange symbol in the center. You might also see these orange symbols on white floating buoys with a yellow flashing light. 

Keep Out Buoy

An orange diamond shape on a white buoy indicates danger and hazardous areas up ahead, for instance sharp rocks in shallow water. Since these buoys prohibit boaters from cruising into specific area where boating is prohibited, they are referred to as “keep out buoys.” 

Control Buoy

Spotting an orange circle on a white buoy represents restricted or regulated operations and requires boaters to decrease their speed to 5 mph or idle without a wake. These buoys, known as “control buoys” help control the speed limit and amount of boating in a certain area.

Hazard Buoy

A white buoy that houses an orange diamond symbol with a cross inside indicates that boats are not allowed in a particular area due to active swimmers. They may also indicate rocks, shoals, and other boating hazards that are nearby, which is why many call these buoys “hazard buoys.” 

Information Buoy

An orange square upon a white buoy is often accompanied by a word, phrase, or symbol that provides boaters with helpful information. You can often find directions to gas docks, boat ramps, and other guidance on these “information buoys.” 

Special Purpose Buoys 

In addition to classic orange and white buoys, boaters often come across colored buoys like white, yellow, red, or blue. These “special purpose buoys” are a way to communicate key circumstances with boaters, including nearby swimmers, divers, or other dangers. 

Swimming Buoys

All white buoys are used to define the perimeter of a swimming area, usually near the shore. “Swimming buoys” are essential for both boaters and swimmers to take note of to ensure a safe distance is respected at all times. 

Posted Command Signs

Once in a while, you might come across a “posted command sign.” These signs tend to be straightforward as they are clearly marked with symbols and words. Posted command signs will display warnings such as speed limits, no-wake zones, no anchorage, and other hazards throughout the water. 

Cautionary Buoys

Yellow buoys are referred to as “cautionary buoys” and warn boaters of risks, including racecourses, underwater structures, or the lack of a safe through the channel. Usually, these yellow buoys will have an identification letter or marking, such as an “X” or a flashing light.

Diving Buoys & Flags 

There are two types of diving buoys that are set up in areas where divers are underwater or preparing for a dive. Diving buoys include the International Code Flag A (Alpha), which is a blue and white flag and indicates the general area where the diving is taking place. This flag is usually displayed on a nearby dock or on a boat. You will also spot a red flag with a white diagonal line that is likely attached to a white swimming buoy. This red flag indicates the exact location of where the diver is in the water. Both flags tell to boaters to avoid the area or cruise by slowly without a wake. 

Being familiar with the various colored buoys and learning what each symbol means is one of the best ways to stay safe while boating with family, friends, and four-legged companions. Since this guide is only the beginning, be sure to continue brushing up on all safe boating guidelines and regulations before your voyage begins. You can also easily protect yourself and your boat investment with boating insurance from your friends and trusted professionals here at NBOA.

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