Emergency wreck marking buoy

	IALA has introduced on trial basis.
	For temporary response.
	Typically to be used for first 24-72 hrs.
	Deployment to be promulgated through usual maritime safety information system.
	Designed to provide a prominent aid to navigation.
	To be placed as close of wreck as possible.

It will maintain a position until:

	The wreck is well known and has been promulgated in nautical publications eg notices to mariners.
	The wreck is fully surveyed and exact details such as position and least depth above the wreck is known.
	A permanent form of marking of the wreck has been carried out.

Characteristics:

Shape: Pillar or spar buoy, size dependent on location.

Color: Equal number and dimensions of blue and yellow vertical stripes.

Light:

	Altering blue and yellow flashing light.
	Nominal range: 4 nm, may be altered depending on local condition.
	Blue and yellow 1s flashes altered at interval of 0.5s.
	If multiple buoys deployed, their lights will be synchronized.

Racon: May be fitted with Racon-D and/or AIS transponder.

Topmark: If fitted, straight yellow cross.

Fig: Emergency wreck marking buoy & light characteristics

Updated: 29 September, 2007