Aids to navigation

Aids to navigation are buoys, lights (including lighthouses), fog signals, radar and radio position fixing systems and other indicators.

A kayaker should learn to recognize and understand the meaning of these devices and their symbols on a chart. They can dictate the channels that a powered vessel must follow; a kayaker must know when they are crossing or can avoid such channels. Navigation bouys are often marked with a unique number or code; finding the matching buoy on a chart gives you a very accurate indication of your position.

Kayaks are required to follow the rules of the road on the water. Navigation aids are the traffic signs and signals of these waterways.