Understanding Channel Markers For Boating: Reading Markers & Buoys

You’ve probably noticed the different color channel markers out on the water…

But do you know what they all mean?

He’ll share:

- Some fun phrases to help you remember what each marker means
- Why the markers have different colors, shapes, and numbers
- How a good pair of polarized sunglasses can help you safely navigate through shallow water

Have any questions about shallow water navigation?

Let us know in the comments below!

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[Rubbernecker]

Great video. The 'aha' moment for me was the Key West home port rule while in the ICW. Thanks!!

[kevinboland]

Very helpful because it simplifies things. Every waterway is different so i understand sometimes how people can get confused.

[schebynonya]

Great video, however something that you could clarify, if I'm right gets most people confused is when your retrurning how do you tell which way is considered the inland direction?
The marker numbers increase on the red as you travel inland. So keep them to your right as the numbers go up.
I think this fact would help clarifying alot of basic confusion.

[jcdesignsandboat-works]

Great basic information! Unfortunately, you could hang a big neon arrow out there on them with a loud speaker blaring left or right and folks would still get it wrong!😂 Thanks for sharing though, maybe a few unknowing folks got it now!👍👍

[kirkeric]

Great run down. I found this just to confirm that I was doing things correctly and happy to know I am. :) Excellent!

[d_mac]

Red right return... Only if you head south. With the intracoastal, red is always the inland side regardless of north or south direction.

[robtrevino]

Nice video, I like the 'brown brown run aground' it made me chuckle. I fish in Texas and we have the super shallow flats all over the place, I would like it if you would talk about clues for when it isn't as sunny and you can't really see the color as well. Clues like a cluster of white caps in the middle of smooth water, or super smooth water in the middle of wind blown water, things that indicate shallow water.

[DavidYarber]

Additionally, the markers in the Intracoastal Waterway are distinguished from local or private markers by a reflective gold decal affixed to the face of the marker. A gold square on the square, green, odd numbered marker and a triangle decal on the triangle, red, even numbered marker. This is especially helpful when other channels intersect the ICW such as near inlets, the St. Johns River, etc.

[MrLeebooher]

Just got a Pontoon boat and this information is very valuable to me !

[robsimpson]

Thank you sir. Just got back from islamorada. Finally completed the Irma repairs at Topsider resort at 75500🎣. Was worth the wait.

[pauloconnor]

That's interesting. In Australia, it's Red Left return.

[Arden]

Holy crap that stay in between shout at .52 scared the crap out of me. 😆😆

[jasonlarkin]

Miami is not the home port for the ICW but it is a good rule for SW florida. The red markers for ICW is always indicating the side that the mainland is on. FYI 🤷‍♂️😎

[jcrhodes]

I’m totally new to this and I hope this question makes sense. But when it’s a single marker is it always going to be orange? Or could it be green? Which is goin to sea. What is most important to me to know is which side do I pass it on? Let’s say I’m going north. I come up on a triangle I can pass it with it on my left or I can pass it with it to my right. Which side is the channel on?

[jpvcwby]

Red on right in the direction you were facing...
So coming thru the opposite direction, red would be in the left?
I understand it it's mostly common sense & reading the water it's most important, but this video instruction seems to only cover one direction???

[pipersmitty]

ill be there in 2 weeks - any good recommendations for a 4 some? looking to get some redfish or yellowtail (2 guys 2 girls) we wil be right next. to bud n mary's

[cgirl]

I guess things could have changed but when I went through the Merchant Marine Academy decades ago red left or right was based on coming or going from a larger body of water to a smaller body of water not home port. Intracoastal markers are a whole nother world where inland side is the base.

[hcwbw]

Or you could run on thru "Midnight Pass" between the Arcenikers" in South Biscayne Bay ignore the markers and wait a while. I that Lignumvitae Key in the background?

[ericoakley]

If you had that red marker over your right shoulder on your right when you were coming back to port from the sea would you be up in that shallow area you pointed out? I understand on your right going out then you’ll be in the deep channel but if it’s on your right coming back you’re going to be in the shallows won’t you?

[leonardburroughs]

Question, why does the water color means like why water have different colors? I thought all water color are the same.