IALA-A System

The following pictures of aids to navigation (ATONs) are taken in the waterways of Ireland and Scotland. These countries follow the IALA-Region A (IALA-A) Buoyage System, which is used in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Western Pacific (except for Korea, Japan and the Philippines), the Indian Ocean, and the coasts of Africa. North and South America are in IALA-Region B.    Click On The Pictures Below To Enlarge !

Lateral Marks   (Go To Top)         Mouse over chart to enlarge, click on chart for large map.

Lateral marks indicate the sides of a channel, and under the IALA-A System when returning to port, green marks are kept on your starboard side and red marks are kept on your port side (Green Right Returning). If lateral marks are lighted, their lights are green (starboard side) or red (port side) in Region A.
 

This green buoy with the letter “A” is left on our starboard side as we motor up the Firth of Clyde Channel in Scotland, passing to the west of Great Cumbrae Island.

View Chart - Red Arrow #5  -- 270 KB

 
This red mark has a continuous quick flashing red light (Q. R) and marks the port side of the channel when entering Castletown Bearhaven (Castletownbere) Harbour in Bantry Bay, Ireland.   
 
View Chart - Red Arrow #1  -- 224 KB
 

This red beacon with the can-shaped topmark is passed on your port side to stay clear of a rocky area called “The Dangers” when entering Glandore Harbor, Ireland.

View Chart - Red Arrow #3  -- 254 KB

Here is a red beacon with a can-shaped topmark positioned near “Colt Rock.” It should be passed on your port side when using the West Entrance to get to Castletown Bearhaven (Castletownbere).   West of the mark is an anchorage which is near Dunboy House Ruin.

View Chart - Red Arrow #2  -- 224 KB