U.S. Navigation Aids database contains data on marine
navigational aids in U.S. waters. This data help boaters to stay
in safe channels and to avoid obstructions while on the water.
U.S. Navigation Aids data covers the coastal regions of the 50
U.S. States, the District of Columbia, the Great Lakes and some
large coastal rivers and other large inland lakes. Contained are
approximately 60,000 marine navigation aids including lighted and
unlighted buoys, navigation lights, day beacons, radio beacons
and drilling platforms. Each navigation aid is displayed as a
small symbol, with information useful to the navigator including
light type (flashing or continuous), light color, and other aid
markings below the symbol.
Tampa Bay, Florida |
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Anaheim, California
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Lighted Buoy
- An unmanned floating device moored
or anchored to the bottom as an aid to navigation, and
equipped with a light for visibility at night. The
color(s) of the buoy, the color of the light, and the
flashing characteristic of the light indicate the purpose
of the buoy. |
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Unlighted Buoy - An
unmanned floating device moored or anchored to the bottom
as an aid to navigation, not equipped with a light. The
color(s) and shape of the buoy indicate its purpose. |
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Light - An apparatus
emitting light of a distinctive character for use as an
aid to navigation. |
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Daybeacon, Square -
A fixed, unlighted aid to navigation, typically
consisting of a square-shaped, colored, lettered sign
atop a post. |
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Daybeacon, Triangle
- A fixed, unlighted aid to navigation, typically
consisting of a triangle-shaped, colored, lettered sign
atop a post. |
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Radiobeacon - A
radio transmitting station which emits a distinctive or
characteristic signal so a navigator can determine the
direction of the source using a radio direction finder,
providing a line of position. |
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Platform - A large
horizontal flat surface supported above the water
surface, used for oil drilling operations. |
Note:
The U.S. Navigation Aids database does not contain all features
found on nautical charts. Do not rely on this data as a primary
source of navigation. The user of this information is responsible
for using official government charts and prudent navigation for
safe travel.