The IALA maritime buoyage system defines the shape, colour and light of navigation marks worldwide. Region A (Europe, Africa, most of Asia, Australia) uses red-to-port when returning from the sea. Region B (Americas, Japan, Korea, Philippines) is the opposite.
Keep this mark to your port (left) when entering a harbour from seaward.
Keep this mark to your starboard (right) when entering a harbour from seaward.
Safe water lies NORTH of this mark — pass to the north of it.
Safe water lies EAST of this mark — pass to the east of it.
Safe water lies SOUTH of this mark — pass to the south of it.
Safe water lies WEST of this mark — pass to the west of it.
Marks an isolated danger (rock, wreck, shoal) with navigable water all around it. Can be passed on any side — but keep clear, do not approach.