🗺 Markup and map

Lateral marks #

The side markers are used to mark the channels reserved for sailboats and boats. **Their direction is always given for a vehicle coming from the open sea to the harbor.

Classic channel #

• Any green, conical-shaped marker should be left to starboard when entering the harbor.
• Any red markings, cylindrical in shape, should be left to port when entering the harbor.

Mnemonic: “When entering the harbor, I wear a green knit and two so-red socks”.

Favorite Channel #

Cardinals #

Cardinals are used to mark a hazard. It’s important to look at the chart to determine the exact nature of the hazard and how to deal with it effectively.

A cardinal marker indicates the safe area in relation to the hazard Example: A south cardinal marker is placed south of the hazard, so you must pass south of it to avoid it.

• North: Black band at the top
• South: Black band at the bottom
• East: Black stripes at the top and bottom
• West: Black band in the center

We can draw the outline of the cardinal tag’s indicator to determine its type. W indicates West, E indicates East.

Be careful at low tide with turret or pole beacons: it is possible that the high water mark will lead one to think of a black band.

Other marks #

Isolated danger #

This marker indicates a hazard of limited extent. It is placed on or near the hazard.

Safe Waters #

This marker signals that there is no danger around it. It can be seen at the entrance to channels or at sea as a marker for a traffic separation scheme.

Near Beach Marker #

This marker indicates an area subject to special regulations. We can mention the buoys near the coast: 300m zone, exit and entry channels for beach equipment, …

Serious New Hazard #

This mark identifies hazards that are not yet marked on the maps. The new hazard is indicated by a combination of 2 laterals, or 2 cardinals very close together (20 meters…). In this case, the marks keep their meaning. Their doubling can