BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Module 06 - Markers and Buoys

Day Beacons

Day Beacons are navigational signs that are posted on land or water. They are not equipped with lights and are intended for daytime use only.

These signs are identified using the same colours as the Lateral System, and may be marked with reflective letters for identification on marine charts. They are most often used to mark channels, small navigation routes, or hazards.

There are 4 different types of day beacons:

Port-hand Day Beacons:

Consist of a black and green square on a white background with a reflective green border
Identifies the port (left) side of a channel or hazard and must be kept on the left side when boating upstream
May display an odd number in reflective white lettering

Starboard-hand Day Beacon

Consists of a red triangle on a white background with a reflective red border
Identifies the starboard (right) side of the channel or hazard and must be kept on the right side when proceeding upstream.
May display an even number in reflective white lettering