Boating Restriction Signs

Boating Restriction Signs are framed in orange and the symbol on the sign indicates the type of restriction that applies. If the sign is arrow shaped, the restriction applies in the direction pointed by the arrow. Signs with a green border indicate that a special condition applies to the restriction. Be aware of the restrictions that are local to your boating area.

 

Special Buoys and Flags

Operators must be able to identify the variety of special buoys and flags, as they mark specific hazards and provide information to the operator. These markers may be equipped with lights and may be marked with letters or numbers for marine chart identification.

 

Diving Buoy:

Diving Buoys mark an area where scuba diving (or other such diving activities) are taking place.

• White in colour
• Carries a red flag not less than 50 cm square with a white diagonal stripe

 

Swimming Buoy:

Swimming Buoys mark the perimeter of swimming areas.

• White in colour
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

 

Keep Out Buoy:

Keep Out Buoys mark an area of water where boating is prohibited.

• White, with an orange diamond containing an orange cross on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbol
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

Control Buoy

Control Buoys mark an area of water where boating is restricted.

• White, with an orange, open-faced circle on two opposite sides and two horizontal orange bands, one above and one below the circles
• A black symbol inside the orange circles indicates the type of restriction in effect
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

Information Buoys

Information Buoys provide information of interest to boaters using words or symbols.

• White, with an orange, open-faced square symbol on two opposite sides and two orange horizontal bands, one above and one below the square symbol
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

Hazard Buoys

Hazard Buoys mark random hazards such as rocks or shoals.

• White, with an orange diamond symbol on two opposite sides and two orange, horizontal bands, one above and one below the diamond symbol
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

 

Cautionary Buoy:

Cautionary Buoys mark dangers such as underwater structures, areas where no safe channel exists or may mark traffic separations.

• Yellow in colour
• Identification letters displayed
• May carry a top mark that is a single yellow ‘X’ shape
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

Anchorage Buoy:

Anchorage Buoys identify areas where it is safe to anchor.

• Yellow with a symbol representing an anchor
• Sometimes identified by letters
• Yellow light may flash in a 4-second sequence

 

Mooring Buoy:

Mooring Buoys are the only Aid to Navigation that you can legally secure your boat to.

• White in colour with an orange top