Port and Starboard Buoys
Port and starboard buoys are lateral marks used to indicate the sides of a channel or safe passage. They help boaters understand which side to pass on when travelling upstream.
What is this buoy used for?
A port buoy marks the left side of a channel when a vessel is travelling upstream. It is green. A starboard buoy marks the right side of the channel in the same direction. It is red. Together, they help structure a passage, marina entrance or navigation route.
Common applications
- Navigation channels
- Marina entrances
- Harbour approaches
- Narrow passages
- Areas where boating traffic must be guided
- Hazard marking along a safe passage
Bouées Canada guidance
Bouées Canada helps you select the right lateral marks, confirm their use and plan an anchoring system adapted to site conditions.
Frequently asked questions
- What information should I provide to get a quote?
- Ideally, provide the type of waterway, intended use, approximate location, depth, bottom conditions, desired number of buoys and known constraints such as current, waves, ice or boating traffic.
- Can Bouées Canada help me choose the right buoy type?
- Yes. Bouées Canada supports municipalities, marinas, campgrounds, lake associations and operators with buoy type selection, anchoring systems and technical documentation.
- Do private buoys need to be identified?
- Private buoys generally need to be identified according to applicable requirements, including required owner information and appropriate markings. Requirements may vary depending on the use, site and regulatory framework.
Need help choosing the right buoy?
Every waterway is different. The right choice depends on the intended use, required visibility, exposure to wind and waves, depth, lakebed or seabed conditions, season of use and applicable regulatory framework. Bouées Canada helps you structure your request, select the right solution and prepare the required technical documentation.