To The Water

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UNIFORM STATE WATERWAY MARKING SYSTEM

Most waterways used by boaters are located entirely within the boundaries of the state. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System has been devised for these waters.

The waterway marking system employs buoys and signs with distinctive standard shapes to show regulatory or advisory information. These markers are white with black letters and have orange borders at the top and bottom of the buoy. They signify speed zones, restricted areas, danger areas, and general information.

Typical Information and Regulatory Marks

When lighted, may display any white light rhythm except quick flashing and flashing.

	Boat Exclusion Area - Explanation may be placed outside the crossed diamond shape, such as dam, rapids, swim area, etc.
	Danger - The nature of danger may be indicated inside the diamond shape, such as rock, wreck, shoal, dam, etc.
	Controlled Area - Type of control is indicated in the circle, such as slow, no wake, anchoring, etc
	Information - For displaying information such as directions, distances, locations, etc.
	Buoys used to display regulatory markers
	Buoys may show white light and may be lettered

Aids to navigation on state waters use red and green buoys to mark channel limits. Red and green buoys are generally used in pairs. The boat should pass between the red buoy and its companion green buoy, not between the buoy and the shoreline!