BUOYS AND BEACONS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where do we get info on buoys? - ANSWERS -The largest Scale chart or ENC of that
place is a
definitive guide to buoys & beacons.
ALLFS gives details of Lighted Beacons &
most buoys of elevation of > 8 Metres.
The Pilot will give the Buoyage system in use
in that area & the Direction of Buoyage.
Pilots may include details of Beacons.
What are buoys? Why use instead of lighthouse? - ANSWERS -Floating structures,
anchored to sea bottom. Used to mark channels, fairways, shoals, banks, rocks, wrecks
and other dangers. Used where constructing permanent structure like lighthouse or
beacon uneconomical and impractical.
What colour lights may buoy display? - ANSWERS -Red, green, white, yellow
What are beacons? - ANSWERS -Navigational mark, aid to nav. Wood, metal, concrete
or GRP. Usually constructed on or in vicinity of a danger, or on shore itself. Unlit
beacons are termed 'day marks'
What are 'day marks'? - ANSWERS -Day marks are unlit beacons
What are possible dangers of a buoy? - ANSWERS -Must be treated with caution, may
break or drag, chartered position is mooring position, but length of mooring can affect
position at low tides. May not always display correct characteristics (day/night)
How to identify a buoy? - ANSWERS -Colour, shape, top mark, light, purpose
What colours may a buoy be? - ANSWERS -Red, green, black, yellow
Shapes of a buoy? - ANSWERS -Cylindrical, conical, spherical, spar, pillar
What top marks may a buoy have? - ANSWERS -Cone, sphere, cross, cylinder, combo
What are advantages of buoy despite limitations? - ANSWERS -instant visual
confirmation of other position information (fixing) Their location and identification
enhances confidence and situational awareness
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where do we get info on buoys? - ANSWERS -The largest Scale chart or ENC of that
place is a
definitive guide to buoys & beacons.
ALLFS gives details of Lighted Beacons &
most buoys of elevation of > 8 Metres.
The Pilot will give the Buoyage system in use
in that area & the Direction of Buoyage.
Pilots may include details of Beacons.
What are buoys? Why use instead of lighthouse? - ANSWERS -Floating structures,
anchored to sea bottom. Used to mark channels, fairways, shoals, banks, rocks, wrecks
and other dangers. Used where constructing permanent structure like lighthouse or
beacon uneconomical and impractical.
What colour lights may buoy display? - ANSWERS -Red, green, white, yellow
What are beacons? - ANSWERS -Navigational mark, aid to nav. Wood, metal, concrete
or GRP. Usually constructed on or in vicinity of a danger, or on shore itself. Unlit
beacons are termed 'day marks'
What are 'day marks'? - ANSWERS -Day marks are unlit beacons
What are possible dangers of a buoy? - ANSWERS -Must be treated with caution, may
break or drag, chartered position is mooring position, but length of mooring can affect
position at low tides. May not always display correct characteristics (day/night)
How to identify a buoy? - ANSWERS -Colour, shape, top mark, light, purpose
What colours may a buoy be? - ANSWERS -Red, green, black, yellow
Shapes of a buoy? - ANSWERS -Cylindrical, conical, spherical, spar, pillar
What top marks may a buoy have? - ANSWERS -Cone, sphere, cross, cylinder, combo
What are advantages of buoy despite limitations? - ANSWERS -instant visual
confirmation of other position information (fixing) Their location and identification
enhances confidence and situational awareness
