12NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
Generally speaking, the United States and the Canadian systems of lights
and buoys are sufficiently alike that most sailors pass from one country to the
other without much concerno The waters of the United States are marked by the
latera1 system of buoyage. Canada has adopted and introduced a new buoyage
system since 1983, which includes both lateral and cardinal buoys as recommended
for use worldwide by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities.
In both cases the maio channels are marked by lateral buoys which we remember
by the 01d stand-by, "RED RIGHT RETURNING", i.e. on proceeding upstream the
starboard (right) side of the channel has red buoys. Match your green light to
the red 1it buoys. Fairway and bifurcation or channel buoys are also similar
for both countries.
Canada, however, nov uses cardinal buoys to indicate the deeper water and
the safe side to pass a danger, i.e. one keeps to the safe side of a cardinal
buoy. The markings for cardinal buoys are no~ standardized, and a booklet
describing them can be picked up at most chart agents, Coast Guard Stations, or
from the Hydrographic Departments.
The United States has, in the South East, made alI lighthouses into
un-manned stations with the single exception of the Five Fingers Light near
Cape Fanshawe in Stephens Passage. Canada stilI maintains its major coastal
lighthouses with keepers. Usually two families share each tour of duty. This
system has its advantages. These include a variation in the design of each
lighthouse that makes them distinct1y recognizable, and the keepers make
weather observations that are reported to the main weather stations which can
give 10eal data along the Inside Passage. In addition, the lighthouses can be
called on VHF Channel 16 for information, or for emergency aid.
CHARTS
Charts of both countries that have large portions of offshore ocean area
can be obtained with Loran markings, for those equipped with this navigational
system. Other specialised charts may be listed in chart catalogs.The list of charts shown in Appendix I have been found to be essentiai for
safe travel. Travel with less can be dangerous because of lack of information.
The number of charts given here can be costly to obtain but this is an expense
no rational skipper should neglect. Canada and the U. S. have first-class
charts and navigational systems, well maintained, and constantly updated.
This 1atter point, of the date' and corrections to charts requires a note
that the list as given in 1986 may change at any time, and one cannot expect it
to be kept current at alI times. Therefore, this guide takes no responsibility
for the availability, correctness of names, numbers, and Iists of charts,
except as of the date of printing.AlI charts obtained should be the newest edition available, and corrected
to include the most recent changes as published in "Notices to Mariners."