Buoys and Beacons of the Chesapeake Bay

Buoys and Beacons of the Chesapeake Bay. . , Buoys before 1950, Wooden Spar Buoy , Until the 1950s, spar buoys, like the replica behind you, dominated the Chesapeake Bay. Buoys like these were repaired in the shed where you now stand. We still use spars, now they are made of steel., Added after 1950, Can and Nun Buoys , Can and nun buoys made of steel replaced the Chesapeake Bay's spar buoys by the 1950s. The larger can and nun buoys were used to mark major channel junctions and major harbors like Baltimore., Skeleton Buoys , Skeleton buoys on piles were larger lighted buoys that marked channel junctions., On the Bay Today , Buoys are anchored, but float on the surface. , Beacons are stationery and fixed in place., 6X20 LR , This large buoy is a channel marker. "L" stands for lit and "R" means this buoy has a radio. An example sits just outside this buoy shed. Similar in structure, the 7X17 LR is the most common lighted buoy on the bay today, Point Lookout's Current Beacon , This electric beacon was installed just off the Point in 1965, when the lighthouse's light was decommissioned., Daybeacons , Because much of the Chesapeake Bay is shallow, simple daybeacons consisting of a metal sign and post are effective markers. Used for decades, they are still a common sight., Today, the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries feature a variety of smaller buoys, both lighted and non-lighted, skeleton towers on piles, unilt daybeacons and surviving unmanned lighthouses., "Red right returning" is an old saying that helps mariners remember to keep red markers on the right, or starboard side, when returning to port., Starboard (or right) markers are red, triangular in shape and painted with even numbers., Unlit starboard markers are usually tapered, in a shape known as a "nun.", Portside (or left) markers are green, square in shape, and marked with odd numbers that decrease as you get closer to open water., Unlit portside markers are usually cylindrical in shape, known as "cans.", Mariners can always rely on the wisdom:,

"Red sky at night, sailors' delight. , Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning."

, But they also use Aidsd to Navigation to chart a safe course., Learn "Buoy Speak" , Buoys and beacons communicate through their colors, height and shape. Some are equipped with lights that may flash a unique pattern, or display a certain color. Other aids make audible sounds. Some aids also carry radar reflectors. All these characteristics make many Aids to Navigation unique. By reading the aids, mariners can pinpoint their location, avoid dangerous waters and confirm that they are traveling in the correct direction.