BOATsmart! Canada
Knowledge Base

Bifurcation buoys are part of the Lateral System and mark locations where a single channel splits into two or more channels. The purpose of the bifurcation buoys is to mark which channel is the safest for boaters. You can determine the safest route based on the top colour of the bifurcation buoy.

• Port-junction bifurcation buoys have a green top colour with a red band in the middle. They indicate that the channel on the boat operators port (left) side provides the safest water.
• Starboard bifurcation buoys have a red top colour a green band in the middle. They indicate that the channel on the boat operators starboard (right) side provides the safest water.