Module 16 - Pilotage
IALA Buoyage System — Region A
The IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) system provides a standardised set of buoys and marks used worldwide. The UK and most of Europe use Region A (the Americas use Region B, which reverses port/starboard colours).
There are five types of marks: Lateral marks (port and starboard channel edges), Cardinal marks (indicating where safe water lies relative to a hazard), Isolated Danger marks, Safe Water marks, and Special marks.
Key points
- Region A used in UK, Europe, most of world (Region B = Americas)
- Five types: Lateral, Cardinal, Isolated Danger, Safe Water, Special
- All marks have specific colours, shapes, top marks, and light characteristics
Continue studying Pilotage
This topic is part of Module 16. Open the full module for lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and revision tools.