Lighthouses, buoys and navigational aids are indispensable to the mariner, however, they are only as helpful as the ability of the mariner to make use of them. Apart from being able to read and understand the different marks, one must also appreciate the limitations of such marks so as to make a full appraisal and a complete risk assessment during all stages of voyage planning.

This course focuses on the IALA Buoyage system. During this course, the learner will be able to understand the general principles of the system, the different IALA regions, recognise the meaning of each type of buoy, including their top marks and lights. They will learn the lateral buoyage system, the cardinal marks system and its application, the purpose of isolated danger marks, safe water marks, special marks and the emergency wreck marking buoy. Additionally, they will go through an overview of the limitations of navigational marks and action to take when encountering different buoys.

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