BlueSeas

Isolated Danger Marks

IALA Isolated Danger Marks

"Isolated Danger Marks" are found in both IALA Regions “A” and “B” and are used to mark small, isolated dangers where navigable water will be found in all directions around the marked danger.

These marks, beacons or buoys, mark dangers such as shoals and rocks, and are also frequently used to mark wrecks. Basically, any small and isolated hazard which poses a danger to surface navigation.

Isolated Danger Buoy
Isolated Danger Beacon


Isolated Danger Marks – Color Schemes and Topmarks

All Isolated Danger Marks are black with one or more red bands. The most important feature is the topmark which consists of (2) round balls (or spheres,) aligned vertically one above the other. Where practical, the topmarks will be carried with the spheres as large as possible and clearly separated.

Isolated Danger Buoy Colors and Topmark

Isolated Danger Marks – Light Characteristics

When lighted, Isolated Danger Marks:

Isolated Danger Buoy Light Characteristics

NOAA Chart Depiction

NOAA Chart FigureThe chart depiction (NOAA Chart # 13218) on the left shows a charted Isolated Danger Buoy on Phinney Rock (BR “DP” Fl (2) 5s.)

The chart notation is: Black and Red Buoy, marked "DP", showing a flashing (2), white light, with a period of 5 seconds.

It also clearly shows the double sphere topmark to aid in its identification as an Isolated Danger Buoy.



Isolated Danger Marks - Points to Remember

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