Identifying Regulatory Markers
Regulatory or informational markers are used to advise you of situations, dangers, or directions. They may indicate shoals, swim areas, speed zones, etc. They can be easily identified by the orange bands on the top and bottom of each buoy.
Controlled Area:
Type of control is indicated in the circle, such as slow, no wake, anchoring, etc.
Danger:
The nature of danger may be indicated inside the diamond shape, such as rock, wreck, shoal, dam, etc.
Boat Exclusion Area:
Explanation may be placed outside the crossed diamond shape, such as dam, rapids, swim area, etc.
Information:
For displaying information such as directions, distances, locations, etc.
Related Articles:
All About Nautical Charts
Nautical Chart Reading 101
How to use Dividers and Parallel Rulers
Identifying Aids to Navigation
Nautical Miles and Statute Miles