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What is the IALAA buoyage system?
The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation system. IALA A covers the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. It uses colour, shape, topmark, and light to tell mariners exactly where safe water lies.
Is IALAA buoyage covered in RYA Courses?
Yes. It is a core component of both the RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the RYA PWC Proficiency Course. Understanding buoyage is a theoretical and practical requirement.
What does 'red to port, on entry' mean?
When entering a harbour or going upstream, keep red buoys on your port (left) side. This is the fundamental rule of IALA A lateral marking.
Channel Buoys
Cardinal Buoys
Other Buoys
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