Buoys are floating devices anchored in bodies of water, serving various purposes such as navigation,  collecting environmental data, and supporting marine research. There are several types of buoys, each designed for specific functions. Here are some major types:

  1. Navigation Buoys:

    • Lateral Buoys: These buoys are used to mark the sides of a channel or a navigable waterway. They indicate the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the channel when entering from the open sea.
    • Cardinal Buoys: These  Navigation Buoys mark the direction of safe water at a navigable channel's intersection. There are four types: North, East, South, and West, corresponding to the cardinal points on a compass.
  2. Special-Purpose Buoys:

    • Isolated Danger Buoys: Placed near a hazard such as a rock or a wreck to indicate that the danger is present but not on the direct route.
    • Safe Water Buoys: Indicate that there is safe and navigable water all around the buoy.
    • Control Buoys: Used in conjunction with traffic separation schemes to indicate the entry and exit points of the separation zone.
  3. Mooring Buoys:

    • Single-Point Mooring Buoys: Used to secure vessels in areas where it's not practical to use traditional anchoring methods.
    • Multi-Point Mooring Buoys: Used for larger vessels and can be anchored using multiple points.
  4. Data Collection Buoys:

    • Weather Buoys: Equipped with meteorological instruments to collect data on atmospheric conditions, sea surface temperature, wave height, and more.
    • Oceanographic Buoys: Used for collecting various oceanographic data such as salinity, water temperature, and currents.
  5. Research Buoys:

    • Drifting Buoys: Designed to move with ocean currents and transmit data on oceanic conditions.
    • Fixed Buoys: Stationary buoys that are moored to the ocean floor, often used for long-term research and data collection.
  6. Offshore Buoys:

    • Oil Buoys: Used in offshore oil and gas operations to mark the location of underwater structures.
    • Offshore Wind Farm Buoys: Used to mark the boundaries of offshore wind farms and to indicate safe navigation zones.

 

These buoys play a crucial role in maritime safety, navigation, and scientific research, contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of marine activities.