Channel Markers

[bustermin]

This Weekend I was talking to a few other boaters that were out in the ICW here in Jupiter, Florida. I was surprised to find out how many people do not know or understand what the Channel Markers are there for, and what the colors and numbers represent, or how to navigate around them Most of them indicated they are just out for a nice little boat ride, and are not concerned with what the markers mean. So, i was curious how many other boaters feel the same way.

 

[i386]

Re: Channel Markers

Many don't know what they mean. Lots of folks never learn. The probability of someone in a small boat finding out the hard way is lower than in a big boat.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Channel Markers

all the more reason to require a boating safety certificate, before a boat can be registered.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Channel Markers

actually, what got me to go be a member of the us power squadron was pretty much that. i run the missouri river once in a while and they got day marks and buoys and i didn't understand and wanted to. + i wanted to be able to read a chart... i made it through advanced piloting. so supposedly, i understand...

 

[bustermin]

Re: Channel Markers

Many don't know what they mean. Lots of folks never learn. The probability of someone in a small boat finding out the hard way is lower than in a big boat.

I wonder if anyone on this site will admit they dont know.

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Channel Markers

Red Left Leaving

Red Right Returning

I read that on the forums here but that is the end of it. I boat locally on small lakes so I don't need to know.

So let the bashing begin.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Channel Markers

Red Left Leaving

Red Right Returning

I read that on the forums here but that is the end of it. I boat locally on small lakes so I don't need to know.

So let the bashing begin.

That's not always true. It can be Red Left when entering a downstream river channel.

 

[angus63]

Re: Channel Markers

Where I live we have Federal,State, and Town navigational aids in the same waters. Colors, types, numbers, and orientation may change 3 times in a mile approaching the ocean inlet. Even the skilled often have issues the first time through. At night on a summer weekend there are scores of groundings. The local fisherman trim up and run the flats to avoid the bumper boats. I have a USCG 100T Masters License and won't take my kids out at night for fear of the ignorant cowboys that "pilot?" without regard for rules or others.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Channel Markers

We were fishing the Lockwood Folly river here in OIB,and along comes a 38' Trawler...the river stays wide up until it peters out about 6 miles up river..so i hailed the boat and asked him if he was aware of this..he said he was just following the red markers..i explained the markers for the ICW have yellow squares in the center denoting ICW..he needed to turn around..and to think he had made it this for from Fla.....in a 38' Trawler..

 

[ThrashN]

Re: Channel Markers

I just try and stay between the red & green. I have no idea what the numbers are for.
If anyone would like to explain the rules of the channel markers go right ahead.

 

[tbebko]

Re: Channel Markers

I just try and stay between the red & green. I have no idea what the numbers are for.
If anyone would like to explain the rules of the channel markers go right ahead.

That's what I do What do they mean

 

[bekosh]

Re: Channel Markers

Here is the Aids to Navigation page from the BoatUS online boater safety course.
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/ReviewPages/BoatUSF/Project/info5d.htm

And here is the starting point of the course if you haven't taken a class already. Or even if you have. It doesn't hurt to refresh your memory.
http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/ReviewPages/BoatUSF/Project/section0x.htm

 

[QC]

Re: Channel Markers

Interestingly enough, where we boat on the Colorado River and Lakes, they are virtually non-existent and cannot be depended on for safe navigation . . . Powell's are the best, nothing on the true river sections at all.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Channel Markers

I have no idea what the numbers are for.

I guess we don't have to worry about you showing up when the word goes out on the radio that the fish are at the R10 or G77

 

[ThrashN]

Re: Channel Markers

I guess we don't have to worry about you showing up when the word goes out on the radio that the fish are at the R10 or G77

No radio in my boat so I guess not. Could you just shoot off a flare for me?

 

[INJUN]

Re: Channel Markers

In my area of operations, in places, if you miss a marker by 10 ft., you're on bearly submerged rocks.
READ the rules of the road.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Channel Markers

That's not always true. It can be Red Left when entering a downstream river channel.

I don't follow you.

When entering a "downstream" channel the red marker is on the left becouse your leaving. Red = Left when Leaving. Right on Return.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Channel Markers

No radio in my boat so I guess not. Could you just shoot off a flare for me?

Most guys have changed over to cell phones to call people in on a bite anyhow. Keeps the bent rod sonar types and ease dropers at bay

You at least know what the numbers are for now. The numbering starts are the mouth of the river or inlet.

 

[ThrashN]

Re: Channel Markers

Great info in this thread. Thanks everyone.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Channel Markers

I don't follow you.

When entering a "downstream" channel the red marker is on the left becouse your leaving. Red = Left when Leaving. Right on Return.

On the Great Lakes you can be coming from open water entering a river going downstream. For ex. coming from Lake Ontario entering the St Lawrence River, the Red are on the Left. But most people automatically think, Red Right. We have the same situation on Lake Winnebago, entering Oshkosh is Red Right going upstream, but Menasha at the north outlet end of the lake is Red Left.