IALA Maritime Buoyage System

Summary

Captain Yevgen of the Estimar channel offers a concise tutorial on maritime navigation aids, focusing on the IALA system. He discusses buoy types, their colors, shapes, and lights, crucial for safe navigation. The video aims to prepare viewers for maritime interviews or evaluations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing buoys like the isolated danger buoy and cardinal buoys, which indicate potential hazards and the safest passage around them.

Takeaways

• 📚 The IALA stands for International Association of Maritime aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities, which is an important organization in maritime navigation.
• 🌐 The script discusses the different types of buoys and their significance in maritime navigation, particularly for those preparing for interviews or evaluations in the maritime industry.
• 🔍 The IALA system has two areas, A and B, with different buoyage systems where red buoys are on the left in area A and green on the right, and vice versa in area B.
• 🏖 The buoys have specific shapes and colors to indicate their purpose, such as conical pillars for red buoys and spherical shapes for green buoys, with yellow buoys having special marks like an 'X' on top.
• ⚓ Cardinal buoys are used to mark points of interest or dangers and have distinct shapes and flashes to indicate the direction to pass for safety.
• 🚨 Isolated danger buoys are crucial for recognizing potential hazards in open seas and are characterized by two white flashes and a black-red-black color scheme.
• 🛳 Preferred channel buoys help navigators choose the correct channel to follow when entering a port or harbor, with more green indicating the preferred channel on the port side in IALA A.
• 📍 Special marks, like the water mark buoy, are used to indicate the center line or the best point to pass under a fixed bridge, and are marked with red and white stripes.
• 🚧 Emergency wreck buoys are used to mark recent navigational hazards that have not yet been plotted on charts, featuring a yellow and blue striped buoy with an upright yellow cross on top.
• 💡 The script emphasizes the importance of understanding buoyage systems for maritime professionals, especially for those working in areas like AD knock or Aramco.
• 👨‍🏫 The video is intended to help viewers prepare for interviews by familiarizing them with the terminology and appearance of various buoys, rather than just memorizing their names.

Q & A

What does IALA stand for and what does it represent?

IALA stands for International Association of Lighthouse Authorities. It represents the modern name, which is the International Association of Maritime aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.

What is the purpose of the video by Captain Yevgen?

The purpose of the video is to prepare viewers for interviews or evaluations related to maritime navigation, specifically focusing on the identification and understanding of different types of buoys.

How does the color of buoys differ between IALA A and IALA B systems?

In the IALA A system, the red buoy is on the left side of the channel and the green buoy is on the right when entering from open sea. In the IALA B system, it is the opposite, with the green buoy on the left and the red on the right.

What does the shape of a buoy indicate about its purpose?

The shape of a buoy can indicate its purpose. For example, a conical pillar or spherical spar can indicate the presence of a lateral buoy, while a square shape on top of a buoy can signify a special mark buoy.

How are Cardinal buoys used to indicate the direction of safe navigation?

Cardinal buoys use their color and the direction they point to indicate safe navigation. A black and yellow buoy points north, a yellow and black buoy points south, and a triangular black buoy points east or west.

What is the significance of the flashes on a buoy?

The flashes on a buoy provide additional information about its purpose. For instance, Cardinal buoys have specific flash sequences to indicate their directional purpose, and isolated danger buoys have two white flashes to signal potential hazards.

What does a Preferred Channel buoy indicate and how should it be approached?

A Preferred Channel buoy indicates the main or preferred route through a channel. When approaching, the vessel should pass on the side of the buoy that has more green markings to remain in the main channel.

How are isolated danger buoys marked and what do they signify?

Isolated danger buoys are marked with two black and red vertical shapes (BRB) and two white flashes. They signify potential hazards or dangers in the water that vessels should avoid.

What is the role of a Special Mark buoy and what does it look like?

A Special Mark buoy is used to indicate the limits of certain areas or to mark new dangers. It typically has a yellow color and may have an X shape on top.

How can the information from this video be applied during an interview or evaluation in the maritime industry?

The information can be used to answer questions about buoy identification, navigational aids, and safe maritime practices during interviews or evaluations, particularly for job offers or positions related to maritime navigation.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Maritime Aids and Interview Preparation

Captain Yevgen introduces the video, focusing on maritime aids and preparing for interviews or evaluations in the maritime industry, particularly for job offers from companies like ADNOC or Aramco. He emphasizes that questions about maritime aids are common and usually require descriptive answers. The IALA (International Association of Maritime aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities) is mentioned, and the video aims to provide a brief overview of various maritime aids, including buoys, to help viewers quickly prepare for such questions. The Captain also invites feedback on the content and mentions his working environment, hinting at the challenges of creating content under non-ideal conditions.

05:02

🚢 Understanding Buoy Systems and Navigational Markings

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of buoy systems, explaining the difference between the IALA A and IALA B systems used in various parts of the world. It discusses the color and positioning of buoys in channels, with red typically on the left and green on the right in IALA A, and the opposite in IALA B. The paragraph also covers special buoys with yellow markings, which indicate the limits of certain areas. Cardinal buoys and isolated danger buoys are introduced, with the former indicating the direction to pass safely around a danger and the latter warning of immediate danger. The importance of recognizing these buoys, especially in narrow channels or open seas, is highlighted.

10:03

🌐 Cardinal Buoys and Navigational Precautions

In this paragraph, the focus is on Cardinal buoys, which mark points of interest, shallow areas, or dangers. The buoys are described by their color patterns and shapes, with yellow and black markings indicating the direction to pass for safety. The paragraph explains how these buoys use flashes to communicate their purpose, with different numbers of flashes and intervals indicating the cardinal direction of the danger. The North Cardinal buoy is said to have a continuous flash, while the East and West have three and nine flashes respectively, and the South has six flashes with a long interval to avoid confusion in rough seas. The paragraph also touches on the use of buoys as reference points for safe navigation.

15:05

⚠️ Emergency Wreck Markings and Final Thoughts

The final paragraph discusses the use of special buoys for marking recent navigational hazards, such as newly discovered rocks or sunken vessels that have not yet been plotted on charts. These hazards are indicated by yellow and blue striped buoys with an upright yellow cross on top. The paragraph serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about navigational warnings and updates. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to subscribe to the channel, share their experiences, and join the Estimar educational platform for further maritime knowledge.

Keywords

💡IALA

IALA stands for International Association of Lighthouse Authorities. It is now known as the International Association of Maritime aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. In the video, it is mentioned as the organization responsible for setting standards for maritime navigation aids, which is central to the theme of understanding navigational buoys and their significance in maritime safety.

💡Buoy

A buoy is a floating device used in navigation to indicate a channel, warn of danger, or mark a position on the water. In the context of the video, buoys are discussed in relation to their color, shape, and light patterns, which convey specific information to mariners about navigational channels and potential hazards.

💡Maritime Interview

The term 'maritime interview' refers to the process of questioning or evaluating maritime professionals, such as those seeking employment with companies like ADNOC or ARAMCO. The video script mentions that understanding buoys and their functions is often part of such interviews, highlighting the importance of this knowledge in the maritime industry.

💡Navigational Aids

Navigational aids are devices or structures used to assist navigators in determining their position and safe course. In the video, various types of buoys are described as examples of navigational aids, emphasizing their role in guiding ships through channels and around hazards.

💡Channel

A channel refers to a navigable body of water connecting two bodies of water or a part of a larger body of water. The script discusses how buoys are used to mark the sides of channels, with different colors and light patterns indicating whether the buoy is on the left or right side of the channel as one enters from the open sea.

💡Port and Starboard

Port and starboard are nautical terms used to distinguish the left and right sides of a ship when facing the bow. In the video, these terms are used to explain how the color of buoys (red or green) corresponds to their position relative to the ship's port or starboard side when entering a channel.

💡Isolated Danger Buoy

An isolated danger buoy is a navigational aid used to mark a specific hazard or danger in the water. The video script describes this type of buoy with two white flashes and spherical shapes on top, serving as a warning to mariners to be cautious and avoid the marked area.

💡Cardinal Buoy

A cardinal buoy is used to indicate a danger or shallow area that should be avoided. The video explains that cardinal buoys have a specific color pattern and flash sequence to indicate the direction in which a vessel should pass to stay clear of danger, with the black and yellow markings pointing towards the safe side.

💡Preferred Channel Buoy

A preferred channel buoy is a navigational aid that guides mariners to the main or recommended channel in a waterway. The video script mentions that these buoys have more green coloring to indicate that the preferred channel is on the left or port side when following the IALA A system.

💡Special Mark Buoy

Special mark buoys are used to indicate specific areas or conditions, such as the limits of an area or the presence of a new danger. The video describes these buoys as having yellow coloring and unique light patterns to distinguish them from other types of buoys.

💡Safe Watermark

A safe watermark is a navigational aid that indicates a safe water depth for vessels to pass. In the video, it is mentioned in the context of a buoy with red and white stripes and a spherical shape on top, which is used to mark a safe passage, especially in narrow channels or near fixed bridges.

Highlights

Introduction to the purpose of the video: Preparing for interviews or evaluations related to maritime navigation, focusing on the identification and description of buoys.

Explanation of the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and its role in maritime navigation.

Overview of IALA regions A and B, including differences in buoy color and placement in these regions.

Description of different types of buoys such as conical, pillar, spherical, and spar, and their respective functions.

Importance of recognizing special marks like yellow buoys with an 'X' on top, which indicate limits of specific areas.

Detailed discussion of Cardinal buoys, including their color patterns (yellow and black) and the significance of their placement in relation to navigational dangers.

Explanation of the isolated danger buoy, its color pattern (black and red), and the use of two spherical shapes and two white flashes to identify it.

Clarification on the use of lateral buoys and preferred channel buoys, especially in regions A and B, and how to navigate based on their color and placement.

Overview of safe watermarks, typically used to indicate the centerline or best point to pass under a fixed bridge.

Explanation of different light characteristics such as flashing, occulting, and Morse code signals used on buoys.

Discussion of special mark buoys, typically yellow, used to mark new dangers or emergency wrecks with unique yellow and blue stripes and upright yellow crosses.

Emphasis on the practical importance of correctly identifying and interpreting buoys during navigation to avoid dangers and ensure safe passage.

Encouragement to viewers to practice identifying buoys without visual aids, as this is often required in interviews and evaluations.

Final reminder to subscribe to the channel and participate in the Estomar educational platform for further learning and feedback.

Request for viewer feedback and sharing of personal experiences related to maritime navigation and buoy identification.

Transcripts

quick reminder about yala Maritime Bush

system

hi guys Captain yevgen is here with you

and you are on estimar channel today we

will talk about the different boys and

we will not learn them but we will

prepare ourselves for the interview or

evaluation

these questions are commonly asked

during when you have interview for the

job offer or when you are like in the

area of AD knock or aramco and the

questions about the boys also can appear

and normally it is not like this like

okay what is this boy what is this boy

what is this boy yeah so normally

uh it is like okay describe me what is

the flesh how does it look like uh what

do you know and that's it so we will

just go briefly about the boys because

we are valuing our time and then I will

stop on normally

mistake answers which personally I

received when I asked about this voice

so you probably

see my screen I hope so I'm in my

working environment not home not in my

office and I do what I can and I hope

you will forgive me if some things

is wrong something goes wrong then

I do my best I do the content and

actually I appreciate if you write some

comment if this content is

good or what would you advise to improve

so most of you will find on most of

devices

NP 735 of admirality it's like quite

seeing book I don't have it just with me

maybe I will go on one of my vessels

next time I'll put an Instagram about

this uh

quite thin book and the iala stays for

International

Association of Lighthouse authorities if

you can see right here right

about the modern name now it's called

International

Association of Maritime aids to

navigation and Lighthouse authorities I

didn't face a difficulty or at least a

case when the person failed interviewer

evaluation if he could not answer what

does

Ayala States for but it's better to know

then a quick overview yeah we have

different areas yeah A and B yeah I will

minimize a bit

yeah

here we are so normally if you have kind

of evaluation and you have some certain

area like in the Gulf area here

you have IAL a which means red

light or whatever or Boy Color and

flashlight is on the left side of the

channel and the green is on the right

why I don't say port and starboard

because it's let's say referred when you

are entering the port entering the

harbor entering the channel from the

Open Sea the red should be on the left

the green should be on the right in ela

a and opposite in yellow B

so that the

somewhere in the area of North and South

America of Japan you can see here

it is opposite the green is on the left

side of the channel and the red is on

the right side of the channel

and we go furthermore

what we can see can conical pillar

spherical spar

yellow a as we discussed on the left we

have rate on the right we have green and

on the red we have on top some square

shape on the right a green a part of

this

red and green we have yellow special

marks they have the shape of X on top

might not have but they're of yellow

color they usually indicating

the limits of some areas and so on so

that you recognize that you are entering

or you are close to some area

we have Cardinal boys we'll go closer to

them we have this

pillars which still not many people can

answer what does it mean and we have

this isolated danger boy for example so

on this stage I would prefer to pay your

attention so it is usually when you have

evaluation or interview you don't have

picture yeah that's why I would be able

with pleasure to put here 3D graphics

and again

to describe all the boys from the

beginning but this is not the aim of

this video the aim of these videos when

you talk when you talk like I'm talking

to you you can name and and name the boy

and answer the question for example the

interviewer can be also different and

for example he's saying like this take

some torch in the in the hand and making

like this

what is this so you have you're hiding

on the vessel and right that the head of

Your Vessel you can see two flashes what

does it mean so we can go this way or uh

the same boy

uh can be asked differently okay

describe isolated danger boy why is that

important because well

normally if you are entering some narrow

channels there Captain is on the bridge

or you are the captain you can maybe

have pilot and so on but when you are an

open Siege can still be isolated danger

it's smart and you really

should know how to recognize it and what

uh to do how to act yeah on the chart

isolating danger is marked like this

there's a black red black BRB

so the same the the color of the

boy is also black red black on top two

vertical

shapes spherical

and you it's a tip how to remember

you have two shapes two flashes

yeah two shapes two flashes easy to

remember and then we unfortunately get

used to the situation when we have

something what is the stop item is

something like rat like a traffic light

on the signs on the road and we get used

red it's a no-go so people straight say

the two flashes of red light but then

what is uh lateral boy for it's also

that and clearly even even here if you

go I I don't remember if it is close to

here or not they describe a lateral boy

which can give different

um yeah here here we are

you see right here

two flashes even somebody you see um

put the line under underlined two

flashes red and this is clearly not

isolated danger so isolated danger is

two white flashes

so also here

[Music]

um

normally if somebody want just to check

if you really deep in knowledge they

will ask you them

boy of Preferred channel

preferred channels it means then when

you are entering I will go to the

picture above when you are entering

uh for example some neuros Channel and

you have like kind of

the the the root divides into two parts

yeah

so and you are probably first time in

this area and you have no idea to to

choose which one to to the to your left

or to your right to the port side to the

starboard side and then everybody is

confusing if we see this uh indication

of preferred Channel Boy where to turn

always forget so if we are on yala a

so on this

boy we have more green yeah so it means

the Preferred channel as a thick line

you can see it's on your left or you go

to the to to the left the port side so

but it's confusing yeah so what we

remember is from which side we need to

leave the boy to to remain the boy to

pass the boy on which side

so to

continue to follow the main Channel so

if this more green then you leave us on

your Starbucks side on yala a system and

you will continue with the preferred

Channel with the main Channel

okay enough for the uh this yellow B it

is opposite I will not put too much

attention on it we already spent so much

time

um Cardinal boy

yeah so I will also minimize a bit

okay as it is

simple we have

point of Interest or some shallow or

some danger and we have a yellow black

boys

which marks there where you will see

that two points up the black is up two

points down this triangular the black is

down so we go up and uh down so the

black is referredly and then they point

to each other the black is in the middle

so the we understand that that we need

to pass

on this side of the of the earth reality

on the North side on the south side

on the east or west

when we see this Cardinal boy so if you

pass on the north side of the Cardinal

boy

which is north carnal boy then we will

be safe if we go opposite then we are in

danger yeah

uh also they have flashes

white flashes

and

on we use it as a clocks yeah so we like

we have some 12 3 6 and 9 but the Norse

Cardinal boy it doesn't flash 12 it

flash quick or very quick

that's it continuously flashing

so the East Cardinal boy is

three

flashes the vest is nine and we need to

remember that the south is not only six

but six and long Flash the reason is why

if you have waves or off weather and

you're counting for example it's very

easy to let's say miscount nine flashes

and count like six and recognize this

a boy as a South one and in fact it is a

West one so to make a mistake so the the

sales one is six with long flesh

so we're already spoke about

isolated danger and don't have much to

add here you remember two flashes like I

know two eyes you need to pay your

attention your boss eyes on this has a

little danger and so on so too spherical

shapes on top

two black ones of course

then save Mark

say watermark

normally such Mark used as a Center Line

mid Channel or landfall boy or to

indicate the best point to pass under

the fixed bridge yeah so nothing to add

when we are entering some Narrows

normally close to

Fairway boy which normally marked as a

safe Watermark this red and white straps

with the red spherical shape on top

so the pilot is on and off so we are

taking the pilot or Pilot disembarks

next to this boy and also when

outbound vessels are coming they live on

the airport side incoming also on the

port side so they're passing clear

uh

what can be for example

either face flash which means the light

it turns on and turns off the same

period of time

occulting which means we see more the

light than it is off so it's much it's a

bit longer yeah this light on than off

opposite to flash when the flash is just

short period of time is on and then it's

off for some time yeah so like this long

flash every 10 seconds

or it can be Morse signal a which means

short and long

special Mark boys we already discussed

and they

have variety of flashes with the yellow

color light

and

marking new Danger

so here is description when the new

danger can be marked as with the lateral

boy with the Cardinal boy but this

yellow blue strap boy actually with the

same color of lashes blue and yellow is

emergency wreck marking boy so when

recently discovered rock or just a short

time from The Vessel which sank and we

don't know yet the least depths Above

This navigational obstruction so we we

also did not plot yet on the chart we

didn't receive a correction with The

Notches to Mariners information so

these obstructions this navigational

hazards are marked with the this yellow

blue strap boy with the upright yellow

cross on top

I hope you like this video and don't

forget to subscribe to this Channel and

if you have something to add then please

let me know we'll look forward the

feedback from you or you want to share

also with your experience with others

please let me know and you're welcome to

join estomar educational platform

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