OAR 250-010-0240: Characteristics of Waterway Markers

(1) Channel markers shall be designated as follows: (a) A solid red marker shall indicate that side of a channel to be kept to the right of a vessel when entering the channel from the main water body; (b) A solid green marker shall indicate that side of a channel to be kept to the left of a vessel when entering the channel from the main water body; (c) A red and white vertically striped marker shall indicate the center of a navigable channel. (2) Informational and regulatory markers shall contain the symbols and messages as follows: (a) A diamond shape of international orange with white center shall be used to indicate danger from natural or man-made hazard. The nature of the hazard may be indicated by words or well-known abbreviations in black letters inside the diamond shape, or above and/or below it on white background. Common messages include Danger, Rocks, and Low Water. (b) A diamond shape of international orange with a cross of the same color within it against a white center shall be used to indicate a water zone where vessels may not enter. Any words or well-known abbreviations must be in black letters above and/or below the shape on white background. Common messages include Exclusion Zone, No Entry, Swim Area, and No Boats. (c) A circle of international orange with white center shall be used to indicate water zone within which a control or restriction is imposed upon operation of vessels and/or use of the zoned area. The nature of the control shall be indicated by words, numerals, or well-known abbreviations in black letters inside the circular shape, or above and/or below it. Common messages include Slow No Wake, speed restrictions, and motor type restrictions. (d) A rectangular shape of international orange with white center may be used to convey other information of an official nature which will contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of boaters using the state's waters. The message will be presented within the shape in black letters. Common messages include Marina Entrance, Wildlife Refuge, services, and other general information. (3) Markers may be numbered for identification. In the case of channel markers, red markers will be identified with even numbers and green markers with odd numbers