GUIDE TO BUOYS

Guide to Buoys

Buoy : What is it?

Buoys are floating devices that mark boats to identify danger zones on the water. They serve as signposts for other water vessels to prevent crashes and other navigational hazards. They are marked with words or symbols that indicate diving sites, stationary fishing boats, and other potential hazards. Most buoys are brightly colored for added visibility, and many are lighter to make them more visible in poor light conditions.

Types of Buoys

Kinds of Buoys include the following:

Spar buoys

Spar buoys, also called pillars, are cylindrical and usually made from plastic, metal, fiberglass, or large logs.
They are usually lighted and come in standard colors corresponding to various hazard levels.

Can buoys

Can buoys have a wide, cylindrical upper portion that resembles a can.
They are either painted green or with red and green horizontal stripes.
They are unlighted and usually marked with odd numbers.

Nun buoys

Nun buoys, also called red nuns, have a cone-shaped upper half and a rounded tip.
They are also unlighted and are painted red or with red and green bands.
They may be tapered throughout or have a cylindrical base for stability.

Spherical buoys

Spherical buoys are round and unlighted.
They painted with white and red vertical stripes.
They are used to indicate the middle of a channel.

Choosing Buoys (Buying tips)

Construction: Choose a buoy made of hard, durable materials, such as polyethylene. Look for those with rotational molding for more consistent thickness and pressure resistance. Make sure it is UV-protected and water-resistant.

Visibility: Choose a large buoy that is easily visible from a distance. Make sure the colors are bright and can be seen through rain or fog. Look for one with a protective coating to protect the paint and keep it from fading.

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