NAVAL ACADEMY

TEACHING DIRECTION
NAVY DEPARTMENT

MARKS FOR NAVIGATION USED BY SHIPS

MARINELA JUSTINA PEDRO CÂNDIDO

101038634 ENSIGN NAVY

LUANDA-2023
 NAVAL ACADEMY
TEACHING DIRECTION
NAVY DEPARTMENT

MARKS FOR NAVIGATION USED BY SHIPS

Work developed in the English VIII subject, to obtain the mark of the first second
semester test of the academic year 2022/2023.

MARINELA JUSTINA PEDRO CÂNDIDO

101038634 ENSIGN NAVY

The Teacher
__________________________________________
M.Sc Custódio Panzo

LUANDA-2023
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to all those who will have contact with it, I hope it will serve as a

source of learning.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, I thank God, Almighty, for helping me to overcame adversity and then my

parents for motivating me in the search for sucess. To the Professor for his guidance during

the elaboration of the work and to all those who contributed, directly or indirectly, in order to

give substance to the work.

To all of you, my thanks!

 EPIGRAPH

“The Art of Safe Passage: Delving into the Intricacies of

Marks for Navigation in Maritime Navigation”

Captain Smith V. Srinivasan

 ABSTRACT

This study examines the significance of marks for navigation in ensuring safe

navigation for ships. Marks for navigation, such as buoys, beacons, and lighthouses, serve as

crucial visual and audible cues for guiding ships through unfamiliar waters and avoiding

potential hazards. The research highlights the importance of these marks in enhancing

maritime safety, acting as aids to navigation, adhering to international standards, and

requiring consistent monitoring and maintenance. Understanding the vital role of marks for

navigation is essential for protecting lives, preserving the marine environment, and promoting

efficient maritime transportation.

Keywords: Marks for Navigation, Ships, Buoys, Maritime Safety, Aids to Navigation.

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Navigation Lights and Flags......................................................................................4

Figure 2. Lighthouse.................................................................................................................6

Figure 3. Beacons......................................................................................................................6

Figure 4. Navigational Buoy.....................................................................................................7

Figure 5. Cardinal Buoy............................................................................................................7

Figure 6. Isolated Danger Buoys...............................................................................................8

Figure 7. Safe Water Buoy........................................................................................................8

Figure 8. Lighted Buoys............................................................................................................9

Figure 9. Lateral Marking System...........................................................................................10

Figure 10. IALA Region A and IALA Region B....................................................................11

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.

IMO International Maritime Organization
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION.........................................................................................................................III

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.....................................................................................................IV
EPIGRAPH...............................................................................................................................V

ABSTRACT.............................................................................................................................VI

LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................................VII

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS...............................................................................................VIII

TABLE OF CONTENTS.........................................................................................................IX

1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background..........................................................................................................................1

1.2 Objectives.............................................................................................................................1

1.2.1 General..............................................................................................................................1

1.2.2 Specifics.............................................................................................................................1

1.3 Justification..........................................................................................................................2

1.4 Methodology........................................................................................................................3

2. THEORETICAL FOUNDATION.........................................................................................4

2.1 Maritime Safety....................................................................................................................4

2.2 Marks For Navegation..........................................................................................................5

2.2.1 Types of Marks used for Navigation by Ships...................................................................5

2.3 Lateral Marking System.......................................................................................................9

2.4 IALA..................................................................................................................................10

2.4.1 IALA Regions..................................................................................................................11

2.4.2 IALA Region of Angola...................................................................................................12

3. CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................13

REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................14
 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND

“Marks for navigation” is a term that refers to the visual aids used in maritime

navigation to assist ships and vessels in safely traversing waterways. These marks, also

known as aids to navigation, play a vital rule in guiding mariners, providing crucial

information about navigational hazards, channels and other important aspects of the waters

they are navigating.

The primary purpose of marks for navigation is to help mariners determine their

position, chart courses, and avoid potential dangers such as shallow waters, submerged

obstacles, and navigational hazards. They are strategically placed in key locations such as

coastal areas, harbors, channels, and river systems, serving as visual references and guides for

vessels.

Marks for navigation come in various forms, including buoys, beacons, lighthouses,

and daymarks. Each type of mark has specific characteristics, such as color, shape, and light

patterns, which convey specific messages to mariners. For example, red and green buoys

indicate the port and starboard sides of a channel, while lighthouses emit distinctive light

sequences to help vessels identify their locations and avoid potential dangers.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

1.2.1 GENERAL

Approach the improvement of maritime safety and navigation efficiency by

enhancing the marks for navigation for ships in specific waterways or challenging

conditions.
1.2.2 SPECIFICS

 To present the types of navigation marks for ships used in the maritime sector;

 Approach the IALA in maritime safety.

1.3 JUSTIFICATION

The study on marks for navigation for ships holds significant importance due to its

direct impact on maritime safety and efficient ship operations. Navigation marks, such as

buoys, beacons, and lighthouses, play a crucial role in guiding ships through unfamiliar

waters, alerting them to potential dangers, and ensuring safe passage. This justification

outlines the key reasons for conducting research on this topic.

1.4 METHODOLOGY

For the elaboration of the work, the dedutive method was used, because a general

contextualization of marks for navigation used by ships was made.

Regarding the objectives, the research is explanatory, because it clarified the need to

know about the marks for navigation used by ships and maritime safety.

As for the approach, the research is qualitative, because it describes the main features

of marks for navigation.

Regarding the procedures, the bibliographic research was used asa basis in this work.

In the bibliographic research, the theoretical foundations taken from bibliographic sources

were used, namely: books and manuals.

 2. THEORETICAL FOUNDATION
2.1 MARITIME SAFETY

Maritime safety is a crucial aspect of ensuring the security and well-being of vessels,

crew members, and passengers navigating on the seas and oceans. It involves implementing

various measures, protocols, and technologies to prevent accidents, respond to emergencies,

and mitigate risks in the maritime domain (Johnson, 2016).

One essential component of maritime safety is the use of signals, also known as

maritime signals or maritime signs. These signals serve as a means of communication and

convey important information to vessels at sea, helping them navigate safely and avoid

potential hazards. The Figure 1 show some commonly used maritime signals.

Figure 1. Navigation Lights and Flags.

Source: Smith, 2019.

According to Smith (2019), it’s important for mariners to be familiar with these

signals and their meanings to ensure effective communication and safe navigation.
International Maritime Organization (IMO), establish regulations and guidelines regarding

maritime signals to promote uniformity and enhance safety at sea.

2.2 MARKS FOR NAVEGATION

Marks for navigation are physical objects, such as buoys, beacons, and lighthouses,

strategically placed in water bodies to guide mariners and assist in safe navigation (Johnson,

2016).

They serve as visual aids and are designed to convey specific information to ship

operators. These marks can indicate:

 Navigational channels;

 Shallow areas;

 Underwater obstacles;

 Preferred routes;

 Important maritime information.

They are typically painted with distinctive colors, shapes, and light characteristics to

convey their specific meaning.

2.2.1 TYPES OF MARKS USED FOR NAVIGATION BY SHIPS

There are several types of marks used for navigation by ships. These marks, also

known as aids to navigation or nautical marks, provide important information to mariners to

help them navigate safely (Smith, 2019).

Here are some commonly used marks:

Lighthouses: Lighthouses are tall structures with a bright light on top. They serve as

prominent visual landmarks and help ships identify their positions relative to the shore or

other navigational features ((IALA), 2018)

 .

Figure 2. Lighthouse.

Source: IALA, 2018.

Beacons: Beacons are fixed structures that mark specific points of reference. They

can be either tall and conspicuous or small and low-profile. They are typically equipped with

lights or reflectors to enhance visibility ((IALA), 2018).

Figure 3. Beacons
Source: IALA, 2018.

Buoys: Buoys are floating markers that are anchored in water bodies. They come in

various shapes, sizes, and colors to convey different types of information ((IALA), 2018).

Some common types of buoys include:

  Navigational Buoys: These buoys indicate safe water channels, navigational

hazards, or the edges of shipping channels. They can be red, green, or yellow and

may have specific shapes or numbers to convey their meaning.

Figure 4. Navigational Buoy

Source: Johnson, 2016.

 Cardinal Buoys: Cardinal buoys indicate the direction of safe water based on the

cardinal points of a compass (north, east, south, west). They are color-coded and

marked with specific combinations of black and yellow.

Figure 5. Cardinal Buoy.

Source: IALA, 2018.
 Isolated Danger Buoys: These buoys are placed to mark isolated dangers, such as

submerged rocks or wrecks. They are black with one or more horizontal red

bands.

Figure 6. Isolated Danger Buoys.

Source: IALA, 2018.

 Safe Water Buoys: Safe water buoys mark areas of safe water where vessels can

navigate. They are usually red and white vertically striped (Smith, 2019).

Figure 7. Safe Water Buoy.

Source: Smith, 2019.
  Lighted Buoys: These buoys are equipped with lights, typically solar-powered or

battery-operated, to improve visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions.

Figure 8. Lighted Buoys

Source: IALA, 2018.

2.3 LATERAL MARKING SYSTEM

According to IALA (2018), the Lateral Marking System is standard across every state.

Using colors and numbers, these buoys create ‘invisible traffic lanes’ along common routes

which boaters are required to use in order to navigate safely. These buoys will also mark a

junction (a point where two channels meet) or a bifurcation (the point where a channel splits).

With the Lateral System, the numbers on the buoys and markers indicate your position

(whether you’re headed upstream or downstream). The numbers climb higher as you head

inland (upstream). If the numbers are descending, it means that your boat is headed in the

direction of the sea (downstream) ((IALA), 2018).

 The Lateral System buoys and markers that are used to indicate direction are red,

green or both red and green. The color indicates which side of the buoy your boat should

safely pass.

These marks, collectively, form a comprehensive system that helps ships navigate

safely through waterways, avoid hazards, and maintain their intended routes. It’s important

for mariners to understand the various

Figure 9. Lateral Marking System.
Source: IALA, 2018. types of marks and their meanings to

ensure safe navigation (IMO, 2020).

2.4 IALA

IALA stands for the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and

Lighthouse Authorities. It is na international organization that brings together maritime

authorities and professionals involved in the planning, design, and implementation of marine

aids to navigation systems and services (IMO, 2020).

The primary goal of IALA is to ensure the safe and efficient movement of maritime

traffic by promoting harmonization and standardization of marine aids to navigation

worldwide. This includes lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids that help

ships and boats navigate safely through waterways.

 IALA develops and publishes technical recommendations and guidelines for the

design, use, and management of aids to navigation systems. These recommendations cover

various aspects such as the characteristics of different types of navigational aids, their

placement, maintenance, and the use of modern technologies for navigation purposes.

The organization also facilitates information exchange, cooperation, and training

among its member organizations and promotes the use of best practices in the field of marine

aids to navigation. IALA organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops to foster

collaboration and knowledge sharing among maritime professionals.

2.4.1 IALA REGIONS

IALA has two regions: IALA Region A and IALA Region B. The regions are based

on the different systems of maritime buoyage used around the world (IALA, 2018, p.22).

Region A follows the red-right return system, where red buoys mark the right side of

the channel when entering a harbor from the sea. Region B follows the green-right return

system, where green buoys mark the right side of the channel when entering a harbor from

the sea ((IALA), 2018).

Figure 10. IALA Region A and IALA Region B

Source: IMO, 2020.
 The organization works closely with other international bodies and maritime

organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to ensure the effective

coordination and implementation of navigational standards and practices worldwide.

2.4.2 IALA REGION OF ANGOLA

Angola follows IALA Region B for its maritime buoyage system. In Region B, the

green-right return system is used, which means that green buoys mark the right side of the

channel when entering a harbor from the sea. This is in contrast to Region A, where the red-

right return system is followed (IMO, 2020).

 3. CONCLUSION

Marks for navigation are crucial elements of maritime safety and efficient ship

navigation. By providing visual and audible cues, these marks guide ships through hazardous

areas, aid in precise navigation, and contribute to the overall safety of maritime

transportation. Following international standards and ensuring continuous monitoring and

maintenance of these marks further strengthens their effectiveness.

Recognizing the significance of marks for navigation and investing in their proper

implementation and upkeep is essential to ensure the safe passage of ships and protect lives,

the marine environment, and global maritime trade.

 REFERENCES

(IALA), I. A. (2018). IALA Guideline 1024-Visual Aids to Navigation. Lisbon: Publisher

IALA.
IMO. (2020). IALA Maritime Buoyage System . Texas: Publication Number: IMO IA-126E.
Johnson, J. (2016). Advancements in Navigation Marks for Safe Ship Navigation . London:
Maritime Safety Review.
Smith, R. (2019). Aid to Navigation Manual: Technical Specifications and Best Pratices.
New York: The Nautical Institute.