Buoyage

/ˈbuːɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

A system of buoys used to mark navigation channels, hazards, or safe passages in water for ships and boats.

Etymology

From buoy + -age (a noun-forming suffix indicating a system or collection). 'Buoy' comes from Dutch boei or French boue. The suffix '-age' creates a collective noun describing the overall system of buoys.

Kelly Says

Modern buoyage systems use surprisingly sophisticated color codes and light patterns—the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation created standardized rules so a captain from Japan could read an American buoy's meaning instantly.

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