LATERAL MARKS REGION A
This diagram is schematic and in the case of pillar buoys in particular, their features will vary with the individual design of the buoys in use.
PORT HAND Colour: Red. Shape: Can, pillar or spar. Topmark (when fitted): Single red can. Retroreflector: Red band or square. | STARBOARD HAND Colour: Green. Shape: Conical, pillar or spar. Topmark (when fitted): Single green cone point upward. Retroreflector: Green band or triangle. |
LIGHTS, when fitted, may have any rhythm other than composite group flashing (2+1) used on modified Lateral marks indicating a preferred channel. Examples are:
Q.R FL.R. LFL.R FL(2)R |  | Continuous-quick light Single-flashing light Long-flashing light Group-flashing light |  | Q.G Fl.G LFl.G Fl(2)G |
The lateral colours of red or green are frequently used for minor shore lights, such as those marking pierheads and the extremities of jetties.
PREFERRED CHANNELS
At the point where a channel divides, when proceeding in the conventional direction of buoyage, a preferred channel is indicated by
Preferred channel to starboard Colour: Red with one broad green band. Shape: Can, pillar or spar. Topmark (when fitted): Single red can. Retroreflector: Red band or square. | Preferred channel to port Colour: Green with one broad red band. Shape: Conical, pillar or spar. Topmark (when fitted): Single green cone point upward. Retroreflector: Green band or triangle. |
Fl(2+1)R |  | Composite group flashing (2+1) light |  | Fl(2+1)G |
NOTES:
Where port or starboard marks do not rely on can or conical buoy shapes for identification, they carry the appropriate topmark where practicable.
If marks at the sides of a channel are numbered or lettered, the numbering or lettering follows the conventional direction of buoyage.
Special marks, with can and conical shapes but painted yellow, may be used in conjunction with the standard Lateral marks for special types of channel marking.
Source: IALA
