U.S. Navigation Aids

U.S. Navigation Aids database contains data on marine navigational aids in U.S. waters. This data help boaters to stay in safe channels and to avoid obstructions while on the water. U.S. Navigation Aids data covers the coastal regions of the 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, the Great Lakes and some large coastal rivers and other large inland lakes. Contained are approximately 60,000 marine navigation aids including lighted and unlighted buoys, navigation lights, day beacons, radio beacons and drilling platforms. Each navigation aid is displayed as a small symbol, with information useful to the navigator including light type (flashing or continuous), light color, and other aid markings below the symbol.

Tampa Bay, Florida

Anaheim, California

	Lighted Buoy - An unmanned floating device moored or anchored to the bottom as an aid to navigation, and equipped with a light for visibility at night. The color(s) of the buoy, the color of the light, and the flashing characteristic of the light indicate the purpose of the buoy.
	Unlighted Buoy - An unmanned floating device moored or anchored to the bottom as an aid to navigation, not equipped with a light. The color(s) and shape of the buoy indicate its purpose.
	Light - An apparatus emitting light of a distinctive character for use as an aid to navigation.
	Daybeacon, Square - A fixed, unlighted aid to navigation, typically consisting of a square-shaped, colored, lettered sign atop a post.
	Daybeacon, Triangle - A fixed, unlighted aid to navigation, typically consisting of a triangle-shaped, colored, lettered sign atop a post.
	Radiobeacon - A radio transmitting station which emits a distinctive or characteristic signal so a navigator can determine the direction of the source using a radio direction finder, providing a line of position.
	Platform - A large horizontal flat surface supported above the water surface, used for oil drilling operations.

Note:
The U.S. Navigation Aids database does not contain all features found on nautical charts. Do not rely on this data as a primary source of navigation. The user of this information is responsible for using official government charts and prudent navigation for safe travel.