---
title: How To Read Navigation Buoys?
description: The nautical chart is for the mariner what the road map is for the driver. Some tips on reading nautical charts.
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/how-to-read-navigation-buoys.png
---

## Boating buoys and markers meanings

![boating buoys and markers meanings](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/how-to-read-navigation-buoys.png?width=1100&height=619&name=how-to-read-navigation-buoys.png)

## Port buoy Lateral Buoys

The next marker you see as you enter this waterway is the port buoy. This tells you it is Green, shows an odd number, and it Flashes Green once each 4 seconds.

![Port hand buoy](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/port-hand-buoy-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=port-hand-buoy-hr-2.png)

## Starboard buoy Lateral Buoys

The next marker you see as you enter this waterway is the port buoy. This tells you it is Red, shows an even number, and it Flashes Red once each 4 seconds.

 

![Starboard hand buoy](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/starboard-hand-buoy-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=starboard-hand-buoy-hr-2.png)

## Junction marker Lateral Buoys

### What does a junction buoy indicate?

When entering from seaward you may find two channels which separate and go in different directions. A junction marker uses its top color to show you the primary channel. This is represented by a Red and Green buoy. You use the top color and shape as if it were a stand alone marker if you want to follow the primary channel. In this case leave the green junction buoy to the left. To take the secondary channel, use the bottom color.

![Bifurcation buoy ](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/bifurcation-buoy-hr-2.png?width=1100&height=619&name=bifurcation-buoy-hr-2.png)

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