One of the most important factors in marine training is understanding the IALA buoyage system. The easiest way to remember is to use the old tried and tested flip cards.
As some of you will know, I’m a Master 24 commercial boat captain. Obtaining these tickets is a process that requires on the job experience as well as certificate courses.
The problem with the flip cards is that you lose them, people ‘borrow’ them, they get wet and you just don’t have them when you need them.
I set about creating a mobile app to convert them into a simple to use and an always accessible alternative. Creating the app and images was simple though hosting the app for a reasonable price is beyond my technical skills.
After creating all those images, I couldn’t just leave them on my computer to die. So I’ve uploaded them here.
Using this website you can simply save all the images to your phone.
I’m thinking about creating a download link which will allow you to download all of the images in one click. If you want me to get to work on this, then please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
Good luck with your course and I hope this page helps you remember the IALA buoyage system.
Lights
These are the light combinations shown by vessels.
Vessel restricted in ability to manoeurve at anchor over 50m 
Vessel pushing a barge connected as a composite unit( seen from starboard) or power driven vessel pushing vessel over 50m 
Vessel pushing a barge connected as a composite unit( seen from starboard) or power driven vessel probably over 50m 
Vessel pushing a barge connected as a composite unit( seen from ahead) 
Vessel over 100m aground 
Vessel over 50m but under 100m in length, at anchor 
Vessel over 50m but under 100m Aground 
Vessel not under command (Not making way) 
Vessel not under command (making way) seem from astern 
Vessel not under command (making way) seem from ahead 
Vessel engaged in underwater operations with obstruction the side of the two all-round red lights 
Vessel engaged in underwater operations with obstruction the side of the two all-round red lights (making way) 
Vessel engaged in underwater operations with obstruction the side of the two all-round red lights (making way) seen from starboard 
Vessel engaged in underwater operations with obstruction the side of the two all-round red lights (making way) seen from atern 
Vessel engaged in trawling making way ( seen from stb) 
Vessel engaged in trawling making way ( seen from port) 
Vessel engaged in trawling making way ( seen from port) probably over 50m 
Vessel engaged in trawling making way ( seen from astern) 
Vessel engaged in trawling making way ( seen from ahead) 
Vessel engaged in mine clearance seen from ahead 
Vessel engaged in fishing with gear extending more than 150m to her starboard( seen from ahead) 
Vessel engaged in fishing with gear extending more than 150m to her portside ( seen from ahead) 
Vessel engaged in fishing (Not making way) 
Vessel engaged in fishing (Making way) seen from portside 
Vessel constrained by daft seen from starboard 
Vessel constrained by daft seen from astern 
Vessel constrained by daft seen from ahead 
Vessel at anchor( Over 100m) Showing working lights 
Towing vessel( length of tow less than 200m) Towing vessel less than 50m (seen from port) 
Towing vessel( length of tow less than 200m) Towing vessel less than 50m (seen from astern) 
Towing vessel( length of tow less than 200m) Towing vessel less than 50m (seen from ahead) 
Towing vessel seen from astern 
Towing vessel length of tow under 200m. Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (seen from astern) 
Towing vessel length of tow under 200m, Vessel less than 50m. Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (seen from port) 
Towing vessel length of tow under 200m, Vessel less than 50m. Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (seen from ahead) 
Towing vessel length of tow less than 200m (towing vessel probably over 50m) 
Towing vessel alongside over 50m in length (seen from ahead) 
Towing vessel alongside less than 50m in length (seen from port) 
Towing vessel alongside less than 50m in length (seen from ahead) 
Towing vessel (length of tow over 200m) seen from port 
Towing vessel (length of tow over 200m) seen from ahead 
Sailing vessel under 7 meters or vessel under oars or anchor light 
Sailing vessel seen from stb 
Sailing vessel seen from stb (1) 
Sailing vessel seen from port 
Sailing vessel seen from port (1) 
Sailing vessel seen from ahead 
Sailing vessel seen from ahead displaying sidelights 
Sailing vessel seen from ahead – tricolour 
Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (not making way) 
Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (making way) from stb – probably over 50m 
Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (making way) from port – probably over 50m 
Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (making way) from astern 
Restricted in ability to manoeuvre (making way) from ahead 
Power Driven Vessel Under 20m- Seen From Ahead 
Power Driven Vessel Under 7m 
Power Driven Vessel – Seen From STB 
Power Driven Vessel – Seen From Port 
Power Driven Vessel – Seen From Astern 
Power Driven Vessel – Seen From Ahead 
Power Driven Vessel – Probably over 50m – Seen From stb 
Power Driven Vessel – Probably over 50m – Seen From port 
Power Driven Vessel – Probably over 50m – Seen From Ahead 
Pilot Vessel On Duty (Seen from Starboard) 
Pilot Vessel On Duty (Seen from Port) 
Pilot Vessel On Duty (Seen from Astern) 
Pilot Vessel On Duty (Seen from Ahead) 
Pilot Vessel ( On duty at anchor) 
Air cushion vessel (seen from starboard) 
Air cushion vessel (seen from port) 
A vessel restricted in ability to manoeurve at anchor 
Vessel under 50m Aground
Shapes and Markers
West Cardinal 3 
West Cardinal 2 
West Cardinal 1 
Starboard Lateral 4 
Starboard Lateral 3 
South Cardinal 1 
South Cardinal 2 
South Cardinal 3 
Special Mark 1 
Special Mark 2 
Special Mark 3 
Special Mark 4 
Special Mark 5 
Starboard Lateral 1 
Safe Water 2 
Safe Water 1 
Preferred Channel To Port 2 
Preferred Channel To Port 3 
Preferred Channel To Starboard 1 
Preferred Channel To Starboard 2 
Preferred Channel To Starboard 3 
Preferred Channel To Port 1 
Port Lateral 4 
Port Lateral 2 
Port Lateral 1 
North Cardinal 3 
North Cardinal 1 
Isolated Danger 2 
Isolated Danger 1 
East Cardinal 1 
East Cardinal 2 
East Cardinal 3 
Emergency Wreck 2
Sounds
Vessel towing or pushing _ Vessel engaged in fishing _ Vessel restricted in ability to manoeurve _ Vessel constrained by draft _ Sailing vessel _ Vessel not under command 
Vessel to be overtaken agreeing 
Power driven vessel under way but not making way 
Power driven vessel under way and making way 
Pilot vessel on duty (four short blasts follows normal sound signal) 
Manned vessel being towed ( Third short blast from towed vessel after two short blasts from towing vessel) 
I intend to overtake you on your Starboard side 
I intend to overtake you on your Port side 
I am altering my course to Port 
I am altering my course to Starboard 
I am engaging astern propulsion 
I do not understand your intentions 
A vessel at anchor 
A vessel aground
Yes please create a link sir for download in one click great job sir