Buoys...??

Question

I have been studying for my restricted boat operator licence (melbourne, australia) for a week now and am stuck on understanding the following. Please help me and I will give full marks to the best answer.

1. On starboard hand marks on which side should I pass them.

2. On port-hand side which side should I pass on.

Cheers George

Answer 1

I think I answered your other question, but if not, I apologise for the duplication. It is a safety item for the RYA so it bears repetition.

The world is divided into the IALA system of bouyage - unfortunately it is not universal (blame the Admiralty for changing their minds twice!!).

You, in Melbourne, like us in the UK, are lucky enough to be in IALA region A. Therefore if we are approaching a port, or sailing up river we 'match' colours i.e. we pass port to port and starboard to starboard (you show the starboard mark the right hand side of your boat (pass to the left)) and vice versa for port hand marks (you pass it to the right).

Of course, leaving a port, or traveling downstream, you do the opposite - pass to the right of the right of the green cones and to the left of the red cans.

Look at these websites-

http://www.deck-officer.info/ialamap.htm...

http://www.rya.org.uk

http://www.central-sailing.co.uk...

Unfortunately, the other half of the world, runs under IALA region B rules, which completely reverses the above.

An American sailor will enter port, or sail upstream passing to the right of the green starboard cones and to the left of the red port cans, and vice versa when traveling downstream or out of a harbour.

It's amazing that there are not more shipping disasters.

All the best with your qualification Bigpathome.

Source(s):

http://www.deck-officer.info/ialamap.htm...

http://www.rya.org.uk

http:/www.central-sailing.co.u...

Answer 2

George,

Disregard the website from the USA. They use a different lateral system of opposite colours and shapes than the system used in Australia.

Answer 3

Good question....It's all about colors and which way you are traveling (to/from the sea).

Good links below.