Rolyan Buoys Large Channel Markers Red Nun / Can Channel Markers

The U.S. waterways are marked for safe navigation by the lateral system of buoyage. The system uses a simple arrangement of colors, shapes, numbers and light characteristics to show the side on which a buoy should be passed, when proceeding in a given direction.

The characteristics are determined by the buoy’s position with respect to the navigable channels, as the channels are entered from seaward.

The expression “red right returning” has long been used by boater’s, as a reminder that the red buoys are kept to the starboard (right) side when proceeding from the open sea into port. If lighted the buoy will have a red light.

The green buoys are kept to the port (left) side when returning from the open sea to port. If lighted the buoy will have a green light.

When proceeding toward the sea or leaving port, red buoys are kept to port (left) side and green buoys are kept to the (right) starboard side.

Red buoys are always even numbered, and green buoys are odd numbered.

Red and white vertically striped buoys mark the center of the channel.

Red & Green Lateral Markers may be passed on either side of the marker when proceeding in the upstream direction, but the main or preferred channel is indicated by the color of the topmost band. For example, the illustrated marker below indicates the preferred channel is to the right, so you would keep the marker on your left (port) side when passing.

• ABS Exterior
• Completely Urethane Foam filled
• Self-righting and excellent stability without mooring
• External Concrete Ballast
• Galvanized Hardware
• Nun Buoys are a Solid Red with 3” reflective band at top
• Can Buoys are a Solid Green with 3” reflective band at top
• Easy reconditioning of weather-worn buoys with excellent adhesion of restoration materials.

• Pickup eye built into top
• Agency and name identification
• White numerical markings
• Solar Lights