BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Port-hand buoys are green in colour, flat on top, and some are marked with letters and odd-digit numbers.

Port-hand buoys are used to mark:

• The left side of a channel, when traveling upstream or;
• The location of a specific hazard or obstruction

Memory Tip

Remember, opposites attract when heading upstream! When heading upstream, your boat’s green sidelight will always match up with any red buoys, and your red sidelight will always pair with any green buoy.