Navigation of a boat requires that you know the regulations for all of the waterways. Boat navigation is typically done by using a combination of buoys and daymarks. However, when a waterway you want to navigate is unfamiliar a navigation chart can be used.
Preparation
Familiarize yourself with the waterway that you want to navigate. This can be a river channel, an inland lake or out in the ocean. Learn the types of markers that you can use to find your bearings. Markers that are used on bodies of water include buoys and daymarks
Buoys
A buoy is a navigation aid that is designed to float on water. They are available for navigation, mooring and fishing. Only navigation buoys are used to aid the navigation of your boat.
When you return from a trip to the dock or port the position of the buoys is important. You will need to stay to the port side of a green buoy and to the starboard side of a red buoy
Daymark
A daymark is a numbered marker that is mounted on a piling. A red colored daymark is a triangle shape with an even number. A green colored daymark is a square shape with an odd number. These are placed in shallower water than buoys.
Daymarks have the same navigation rules as buoys. A red daymark needs to be on the port side or your boat and a green daymark on the right.
Charts
The symbols found on a navigation chart are used to indicate degrees, minutes and seconds for latitude and longitude. The top and bottom of a navigational chart will have the latitude and longitude. Degrees in latitude are found on the left and right sides of the chart.
Tips
One minute of latitude on a navigational chart is equal to 1 nautical mile.