Protecting the Mariner
Buoys
Buoys are a vital aid to the mariner. They show exactly where
deep channels are in coastal waters and rivers, and mark wrecks or
other underwater hazards. Buoys usually have lights so they can be
seen at night; many have audible warnings such as bells or whistles
and reflectors so they show up well on radar. 
 The Gymp buoy, Southampton Water |
To allow seafarers to distinguish which buoys are which (i.e.
those that mark the starboard [ definition] and port
[ definition] sides of
channels and where any obstructions are), they carry a variety of
symbols such as rectangles, triangles and balls and have different
types of lights. Since 1977 there has been an international
convention on buoyage so that all seafarers can expect to find
systems they are familiar with wherever they are in the world.
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