---
title: Junction Buoys & Markers
description: Junction markers indicate the preferred channel at points where the waterway splits or branches off in another direction.
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/pcoc2021/images/bifurcation-buoy-hr-2.png
---

![Bifurcation buoy](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/bifurcation-buoy-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=bifurcation-buoy-hr-2.png)

A bifurcation buoy is used to mark the point where a channel devises in to branches. You may pass this buoy on either side ([port or starboard side](https://aceboater.com/starboard-port-side-definition)) when moving upstream. **It's coloured with red and green bands. **The main or preferred channel is shown by the color of the top band.

![Junction Markers](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/junction-day-beacon-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=junction-day-beacon-hr-2.png)

**Junction markers**** indicate the preferred channel at points where the waterway splits or branches off in another direction.** If you are returning from sea and see a preferred channel marker that is red over green, to stay in the main channel you would consider the marker as if it were a red marker and keep it on your right. However, if your intended destination is the waterway branch consider the marker a green marker and leave to your port side.

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