To safely transit from one place to another we use...
Aids to Navigation (ATON)
Better Bay Alliance (BBA) | February 2023
Objectives:
- Identify the Navigation Systems
- Identify the Types of ATONs
- Learn the application of Regulatory Buoys
Bouys and Beacons
Two Types of Aids to Navigation
Buoys and Beacons; Both have various shapes, sounds and light characteristics.
Buoys float and beacons are affixed to land.
Bouys
Lighted Bouys
Beacons
Green or red lateral aids show channel edges
International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) System A and IALA System B regulate navigational markings throughout most of the world.
- System A is generally used in the Eastern Hemisphere
- System B is generally used in the Western Hemisphere (USA)
In Region B, red aids are on the right
- RED-RIGHT-RETURNING
US ATONs
US Aids to Navigation
Navigation aids in this lateral system are determined by their position with respect to the navigable channel, as the channels are entered and followed from seaward toward the head of navigation.
- Green Aids – Odd Numbered
- Red Aids – Even Numbered
- Red Right – Returning applies
US
Regulatory
