1094 Daymarks For Aton PDF
1094 Daymarks For Aton PDF
1094 Daymarks For Aton PDF
IALA GUIDELINE
1094
DAYMARKS FOR AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Edition 2.0
June 2016
DOCUMENT REVISION
Revisions to this IALA Document are to be noted in the table prior to the issue of a revised document.
Inserted equation titles and Dictionary references,
June 2016 Full document
amended acronyms list.
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 8
2. SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................. 8
3. DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 8
4. DAYMARK TOPMARK BASIC PRINCIPLES .............................................................................................. 8
4.1. Degrees of Perception and Range ........................................................................................................... 9
4.2. Information Process ................................................................................................................................. 9
4.3. Visual Perception ................................................................................................................................... 10
5. THE DAYMARK – OBJECT .................................................................................................................... 10
5.1. Profile ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.1.1. Flat daymark ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
5.1.2. Solid daymark with rotational symmetry ................................................................................................................................. 11
5.1.3. Crossed plates .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.4. Lattice construction .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
5.1.5. Comparison of 3D profile .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2. Luminance of the object ........................................................................................................................ 13
5.3. Surface Colour ....................................................................................................................................... 14
5.3.1. Specification ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
5.3.2. Aging of colour.......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.3.3. Retroreflective sheeting ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.4. Size ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.5. Combination of colours ......................................................................................................................... 16
6. THE VIEWING CONDITIONS – MEDIA .................................................................................................. 17
6.1. Viewing Distance.................................................................................................................................... 17
6.2. Meteorological Visibility ........................................................................................................................ 18
6.3. Koschmieder's law ................................................................................................................................. 19
6.4. Background ............................................................................................................................................ 20
6.4.1. Sky as the background .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.4.2. Sun behind a daymark .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
6.4.3. Water surface as background ................................................................................................................................................... 21
6.4.4. Landscape as background ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
7. THE OBSERVER .................................................................................................................................. 22
7.1. Eye resolution and subtense angles ...................................................................................................... 22
7.2. Non‐uniform daymarks .......................................................................................................................... 22
7.3. Shape recognition .................................................................................................................................. 23
7.4. Required contrast .................................................................................................................................. 25
7.5. Colour recognition ................................................................................................................................. 25
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CONTENTS
8. DESIGN OF DAYMARKS ...................................................................................................................... 25
8.1. Floating Aids .......................................................................................................................................... 25
8.1.1. 3‐D Profile ................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
8.1.2. Colour ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
8.1.3. Size and shape of single coloured buoys .................................................................................................................................. 26
8.1.4. Size and Shape of Cardinal‐buoys ............................................................................................................................................. 26
8.1.5. Safe water and new‐danger marks ........................................................................................................................................... 28
8.1.6. Structural obstructions ............................................................................................................................................................. 28
8.1.7. Solar panels .............................................................................................................................................................................. 29
8.1.8. Topmarks .................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
8.2. Fixed aids ............................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2.1. Traditional lighthouses ............................................................................................................................................................. 32
8.2.2. Additional tools for structures used as daymarks .................................................................................................................... 34
8.2.3. White daymarks ........................................................................................................................................................................ 35
8.2.4. Dayboard of leading lines ......................................................................................................................................................... 36
8.2.5. Marking of bridges .................................................................................................................................................................... 37
8.2.6. Design of signs .......................................................................................................................................................................... 37
8.3. General Design Methodology ................................................................................................................ 38
8.3.1. Input ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
8.3.2. Step 1 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
8.3.3. Step 2 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
8.3.4. Step 3 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
8.3.5. Step 4 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
8.3.6. Step 5 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
8.4. Limitations and Service factors .............................................................................................................. 40
8.4.1. Supporting structure ................................................................................................................................................................ 40
8.4.2. Colour fading ............................................................................................................................................................................ 40
8.4.3. Bird fouling ............................................................................................................................................................................... 40
8.4.4. Environmental Considerations in Buoy design ......................................................................................................................... 40
8.5. Design Examples .................................................................................................................................... 40
8.5.1. EXAMPLE 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 40
8.5.2. EXAMPLE 2 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 41
8.5.3. EXAMPLE 3 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
8.5.4. EXAMPLE 4 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
8.5.5. EXAMPLE 5 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
9. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................... 45
10. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 46
ANNEX A PHYSICAL MODEL OF KOSCHMIEDER'S LAW ................................................................................... 47
ANNEX B STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SKY LUMINANCE ........................................................................... 48
ANNEX C SIMPLE MODEL OF THE HUMAN EYE .............................................................................................. 49
ANNEX D BLAISE THEORY1 ............................................................................................................................. 51
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CONTENTS
ANNEX E EXAMPLE CANADIAN DAYMARKS .................................................................................................. 52
List of Tables
Table 1 The three degrees of perception of daymarks ............................................................................... 9
Table 2 Comparison of profiles ................................................................................................................. 13
Table 3 Values for the luminance factor β and Numbers of colour collections ........................................ 15
Table 4 Geographical Range in Nautical Miles (M) .................................................................................. 18
Table 5 Albedos for different surfaces [15] .............................................................................................. 21
Table 6 Conventions on range and minimum viewing angle ................................................................... 24
Table 7 Typical values of daymark range ................................................................................................. 24
Table 8 Dayboard size and range ............................................................................................................. 37
Table 9 Design distance for Canadian daybeacons .................................................................................. 52
List of Figures
Figure 1 Information process ..................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 2 Perception of an extended object ................................................................................................ 10
Figure 3 Flat daymark and line between the vertical of the surface and the observer's direction ........... 11
Figure 4 Projected (visible) shape of a flat daymark ................................................................................. 11
Figure 5 Profiles with rotational symmetry ............................................................................................... 11
Figure 6 Profiles with crossed plates ......................................................................................................... 12
Figure 7 Lattice construction derived from crossed plates ........................................................................ 12
Figure 8 Lattice construction of a lateral buoy .......................................................................................... 13
Figure 9 CIE standard chromaticity diagram ............................................................................................. 14
Figure 10 Typical application for retroreflective sheets on a buoy ............................................................. 16
Figure 11 Lateral extension and range of a daymark .................................................................................. 16
Figure 12 Single and multi coloured daymarks ........................................................................................... 17
Figure 13 Simplified illustration of light scattering in atmosphere ............................................................. 19
Figure 14 Sky as Background ....................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 15 Water surface as background ..................................................................................................... 21
Figure 16 Influence of viewing angle on non‐uniform daymarks ................................................................ 22
Figure 17 Direct illumination of a daymark (flat, cone, crossed plates) ...................................................... 23
Figure 18 Recognition of simple shapes ...................................................................................................... 23
Figure 19 Buoys with wings, forming the silhouette corresponding to the type of mark ........................... 26
Figure 20 Traditional cardinal buoys ........................................................................................................... 26
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CONTENTS
Figure 21 Preferred buoy design to optimize visual performance ............................................................... 27
Figure 22 Superstructure and base body ..................................................................................................... 27
Figure 23 Comparison of traditional and new generation buoy ................................................................. 27
Figure 24 Vertical stripe arrangement on a safe water buoy ...................................................................... 28
Figure 25 Example of Safe Water Mark with Additional Wings .................................................................. 28
Figure 26 Additional parts on a buoy .......................................................................................................... 29
Figure 27 Conflict between solar panels and cardinal marks ...................................................................... 29
Figure 28 Optimized Cardinal buoys ............................................................................................................ 30
Figure 29 Distribution of solar panels on a safe water mark. ..................................................................... 30
Figure 30 Topmark proportions ................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 31 Supporting structure used as a daymark ..................................................................................... 32
Figure 32 Red‐white horizontal stripes ........................................................................................................ 33
Figure 33 Rhombus design for the daymark of a light house ...................................................................... 33
Figure 34 Alternative Colours for the daymark of a Lighthouse .................................................................. 33
Figure 35 White contrast painting for fixed lateral daymark buildings ...................................................... 34
Figure 36 Influence of the sun position on colour and shape recognition ................................................... 35
Figure 37 Examples of a fixed structure daymark with unidirectional wings .............................................. 35
Figure 38 White daymarks at the shore ...................................................................................................... 36
Figure 39 Example geometry of a leading line dayboard ............................................................................ 36
Figure 40 Daymarks defined by IALA Recommendation O‐113 ................................................................... 37
Figure 41 Preferred daymark design ........................................................................................................... 37
Figure 42 Sign: best point of passage .......................................................................................................... 38
Figure 43 Direction arrow, showing preferred design in the right hand picture ......................................... 38
Figure 44 Resulting buoy shape for Example 1 ............................................................................................ 41
Figure 45 Resulting buoy shape for Example 2 ............................................................................................ 42
Figure 46 Resulting daymark shape for Example 3 ..................................................................................... 43
Figure 47 Resulting design for Example 4 (units are in mm) ....................................................................... 44
Figure 48 Resultant design of Example 5 .................................................................................................... 45
Figure 49 Statistical distribution of sky luminance, Baltic Sea 2003 ........................................................... 48
Figure 50 Statistical distribution of water surface luminance, Baltic Sea 2003 .......................................... 48
Figure 51 Simple model of the eye .............................................................................................................. 49
Figure 52 Simple fovea model ..................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 53 Stimulated cones for simple shapes ............................................................................................ 50
Figure 54 Blaise theory ................................................................................................................................ 51
Figure 55 Canadian standard daybeacon .................................................................................................... 52
Figure 56 Relevant dimensions of the daymark .......................................................................................... 52
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CONTENTS
List of Equations
Equation 1 Geographical range ..................................................................................................................... 17
Equation 2 Luminous Contrast ....................................................................................................................... 19
Equation 3 Observation contrast ................................................................................................................... 19
Equation 4 Observation contrast using atmospheric transmissivity ............................................................. 19
Equation 5 Observation contrast using meteorological visibility .................................................................. 20
Equation 6 Contrast for a single object .......................................................................................................... 25
Equation 7 Deriving geographical range from height ................................................................................... 42
Equation 8 Visible luminance ......................................................................................................................... 47
Equation 9 Movement of chromaticity .......................................................................................................... 47
Equation 10 Spectral dependency of atmospheric light scattering ................................................................. 47
Equation 11 Angular separation of Fovea cones ............................................................................................. 49
Equation 12 Minimum value for shape identification ..................................................................................... 50
Equation 13 Solid angle for a large distance ................................................................................................... 51
Equation 14 Blaise theory ( < 0.8725 mrad) .................................................................................................. 51
Equation 15 Blaise theory ( > 0.8725 mrad) .................................................................................................. 51
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1. INTRODUCTION
It is often considered that the installation of a visual signal consists of installing a light on a support structure,
without conducting any kind of preliminary study on the daymark range, colour and other features of the
daymark. It should not be forgotten that most traffic occurs during the day, which means that the daymark
should be readily identified by mariners at a distance without possibility of confusion.
Existing IALA documents provide information on the proportions of daymarks but only limited information is given
on the range at which daymarks can be effectively detected, recognised and identified.
This guideline provides a general informative overview of the main factors that need to be considered when
providing and designing a daymark. It points out the aspects of visual perception and how to optimise the
identification of a daymark. In practice financial and technical aspects can limit the provision of daymarks, thus
the guideline describes a number of practical methods that can be adopted to achieve the most suitable solution
to overcome these limitations.
Note
This guideline includes many illustrations and photographs. Due to the limitations of reproduction of colours by
computer monitors and printers mean that these pictures are not representative of reality. It is advised not to
use the pictures for visual trials or for the estimation of the visible performance of daymarks.
2. SCOPE
The scope of this document covers all those Aids to Navigation (AtoN) as defined in the IALA Maritime Buoyage
System (MBS) [1].
This guideline does not cover the use of signs and lights as Aids to Navigation during daytime.
For information about daytime lights refer to the IALA Recommendation E‐200 series [9].
For information about signs refer to the IALA Conference Presentation 1990 about lettering and signs [4].
The competent authority should ensure that structures and objects in the vicinity of fairways and waterways do
not conflict with marks according to the IALA MBS.
If such structures include daymarks, these should be designed and maintained in accordance with the IALA MBS
and this guideline.
If other structures or objects are designed and built in the vicinity of the waterway, conflict between these and
the daymarks (according to the MBS and this guideline) should be avoided.
3. DEFINITIONS
The definition of terms used in this Guideline can be found in the International Dictionary of Marine Aids to
Navigation (IALA Dictionary) at (http://www.iala‐aism.org/wiki/dictionary).
4. DAYMARK TOPMARK BASIC PRINCIPLES
The visual task is to provide a daymark, according to the IALA MBS, that can be easily identified at a given
distance, against a given or prevailing background. This means that the mariner can identify the shape, colour
and colour combination.
The visible range of a daymark will be determined by the Competent Authority in an overall assessment of
navigational requirement for the waterway or particular location.
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A daymark’s visible range with the naked eye will not necessarily be linked to the range of the associated light at
night and will often be substantially less. However, the use of binoculars will greatly enhance the range at which
a daymark can be identified. Typically, in the order of 8‐10 times the range depending on the binoculars used.
A Daymark is defined by size, luminance, colour, shape and height above sea level. To estimate the visual
performance, the background behind the daymark and the illumination by the sun have to be taken into account.
Background and illumination depend on temporal, geographical and meteorological conditions. Reference
background depends on the height of the vessel’s bridge and direction of observation.
4.1. DEGREES OF PERCEPTION AND RANGE
When a navigator approaches a visual AtoN, for instance a buoy, the first thing the navigator will recognise is the
shape or colour of the buoy depending on the viewing conditions.
The navigator will subsequently recognise the top‐mark and finally its numbers or letters. Thus, the process of
identifying a visual AtoN goes through three different stages of perception.
Table 1 The three degrees of perception of daymarks
The observer is aware of an object. The navigator sees an object, but will usually not be able to
Detection
deduce its shape or colour and will not know that it is an AtoN.
Recognition The observer is aware that the object is an AtoN.
The observer is aware which AtoN the object is. At this distance, the navigator can perfectly discern
Identification
the type of mark it is.
The daymark range is the maximum distance at which the daymark can be seen according to a specific degree of
perception. According to the different degrees of perception the daymark range does not have an exact
definition.
As an optimum, the range should be defined on visual identification of the daymark (third degree of perception).
However, for many daymarks it is acceptable to use a range definition, which is based on recognition. Using
detection range should be avoided.
Note
In contrast to daymarks there is an exact definition for the luminous range of lights. This is based on Allard's law
and an international convention about the threshold of illuminance.
4.2. INFORMATION PROCESS
The information process for daytime observation, as shown in Figure 1, has a number of parameters which
influences visual perception. These can be defined as:
The Object:
The object, as the signal source, can show different shapes and can be illuminated by direct or diffused sunlight
or a combination of both. The background may be different depending on locations and may vary with time
(weather, sun position).
The Media / Viewing Conditions:
The atmosphere as the media has a certain value for meteorological visibility (e.g. haze, fog), which causes the
light from the object to be scattered partially away from the line between the object and the observer. On the
other hand, direct and indirect light is scattered partially into the observation line towards the observer.
The Observer:
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In general, the observer is limited by physiology. There are some agreements or conventions about the
maritime observer ‐ especially for commercial shipping. However, there are no exact values for visual
perception in physiology and the convention may be different in each country.
indirect (diffuse)
illumination
direct
illumination
background
Figure 1 Information process
4.3. VISUAL PERCEPTION
There are two different aspects that affect visual perception that should be taken into consideration when
designing a daymark.
1 The daymark has to be identified by a distant observer. The quality of the daymark can be described by the
daymark range: the maximum distance where the daymark can be identified (under given conditions).
2 Local considerations should be taken into account so that the daymark is conspicuous in a complex
background scene.
5. THE DAYMARK – OBJECT
5.1. PROFILE
The daymark has a 3‐Dimensional (3‐D) profile. When viewing the daymark, the user perceives a 2‐dimensional
(2‐D) shape, which is a projection of the 3‐D profile.
Figure 2 Perception of an extended object
The 3‐D construction of the daymark profile is of significant influence on the 2‐D shape seen from different
directions.
For AtoN daymarks the following constructions are in use.
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5.1.1. FLAT DAYMARK
A flat daymark can be used when the observer's position is nearly perpendicular to the surface. As there is only
one surface element, which is orientated in a single direction, the surface looks uniform in all situations.
Figure 3 Flat daymark and line between the vertical of the surface and the observer's direction
The projected shape into the observer's direction changes with the angle between the vertical and the observer
(Figure 4). Even for angles of 15° and 30° the shape can be identified. A flat daymark is the recommended
construction for leading or range lines (range dayboards [5]).
They should be used for all other daymarks, when the angle of utilisation is 60° (+/‐30°) or less. In these cases,
considerations should be taken regarding the orientation of (flat) daymarks to shipping traffic.
Figure 4 Projected (visible) shape of a flat daymark
5.1.2. SOLID DAYMARK WITH ROTATIONAL SYMMETRY
A daymark which shows the same shape in all horizontal directions must have rotational symmetry around the
vertical axis. The three shapes of the IALA MBS are cylinders, cones and spheres. As the shapes are in 3D, the
projected surface may not look uniform, due to shadowing as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Profiles with rotational symmetry
Solid omni‐directional daymarks can be used for short range. For higher ranges the size and the weight of a solid
daymark limits its use. A compromise may be the use of crossed plates or a lattice construction.
Some competent authorities are investigating alternative materials for solid daymarks; for example, the Swedish
Maritime Administration (SMA) is looking into using rubber or flexible plastic bristles to create daymarks that will
be more resilient to severe ice conditions.
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5.1.3. CROSSED PLATES
Crossed plates can be used for top marks and to enhance the buoy shape. They need less material, have a lower
weight and are easy to manufacture. When the material is metal the crossed plates can act as a radar reflector as
well.
Figure 6 Profiles with crossed plates
5.1.4. LATTICE CONSTRUCTION
A lattice construction is similar to the three shapes above, but the structure is broken. It is generally used for
large daymarks to reduce weight and wind load.
Figure 7 Lattice construction derived from crossed plates
The gaps (or voids) reduce the contrast of the daymark when it is viewed from a long distance.
Figure 7 shows crossed plates only, however, a lattice construction may be used for flat daymarks and for
daymarks with rotational symmetry (Figure 8).
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Figure 8 Lattice construction of a lateral buoy
As a general rule the projected surface of the solid area of
a daymark should be greater than the gap.
5.1.5. COMPARISON OF 3D PROFILE
A flat daymark is the preferred design, because the whole surface appears in the same colour and brightness.
However, it can only be used for a limited arc of utilisation (angle of observation).
The projected surface of a solid daymark will not appear uniform and might have shadow (Figure 5). Crossed
plates show even more shadow and a lattice construction has less contrast.
Table 2 Comparison of profiles
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5.3. SURFACE COLOUR
5.3.1. SPECIFICATION
The Surface Colour is described by a luminance factor β and two chromaticity coordinates x, y (see IALA‐
Recommendation E‐108 On Surface Colours).
The IALA MBS uses 6 Colours: Red, Yellow, White, Green, Blue and Black. The following figure shows the CIE
standard chromaticity diagram and the location of the five colours (black and white are at the achromatic point).
H H: Hue
y S: Saturation
0.8
Green
0.7
Colour
0.6
H
0.5 Yellow
S
0.4
H
0.3 Red
Achromatic
Blue Point
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 x
Figure 9 CIE standard chromaticity diagram
Note
Although there is a surface colour boundary for orange, it is not recommended for use as a surface colour due to
its confusion with yellow and red.
The luminous factor and the chromaticity coordinates should fulfil the specifications of IALA Recommendation E‐
108 in order to be used according to IALA MBS. These specifications leave freedom to adjust the colour to a
specific viewing condition.
A non‐fluorescent colour (ordinary colour) can only reflect light that is incident on the surface. To produce a
specific colour, the other spectral part of the incident light must be absorbed. To achieve a very saturated colour,
the amount of spectrum absorbed becomes large and the reflected part very small. So a high saturation is only
available for colours with low luminance. For ordinary colours a compromise between the levels for saturation
and luminance has to be found.
For fluorescent colours a higher level for the luminance and saturation can be achieved.
For practical considerations it is better to describe the colour‐by‐colour collections. IALA currently supports two
colour collections, which are known worldwide:
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Swedish Natural Colour System NCS;
German RAL Colour.
The table shows the recommended colours according to the two collections. For further information, see IALA
Recommendation E‐108.
Table 3 Values for the luminance factor β and Numbers of colour collections
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Figure 10 Typical application for retroreflective sheets on a buoy
5.4. SIZE
The size of a daymark is directly linked to its range. As stated in section 5.1 the observer sees a projection of the
real object and the lateral dimensions of this projection are relevant for the estimation of the daymark range.
distance / range
height
viewing angle
width
daymark observer
Figure 11 Lateral extension and range of a daymark
The angular subtense α (viewing angle) of the daymark can be calculated by:
α [radians] ≈ height / distance (for the vertical angle);
α [radians] ≈ width / distance (for the horizontal angle).
With these formulae it can be shown that the range of the daymark depends on the minimum useful viewing
angle αmin assigned to the daymark:
Range ≈ (lateral dimension) / αmin [radians];
Lateral dimension: height or width.
The minimum useful viewing angle for a specific daymark depends on all the parameters mentioned in section
4.2. There are different conventions for this angle.
For symbols and letters an IALA publication was presented at IALA‐conference 1990, which includes a convention
about the minimum useful viewing angle for many CEVNI and SIGNI signs [4].
5.5. COMBINATION OF COLOURS
Many daymarks of the IALA Maritime Buoyage System consist of a combination of colours e.g. cardinal or isolated
danger marks.
For the identification of the daymark the stripe colour configuration must be able to be recognized.
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In Figure 12 the vertical size of the object is seen as the limiting factor for the range of the daymark. At the range
d the single coloured object appears under a viewing angle of α for the observer. When the same object has
multiple colours to show an isolated danger mark, the observer has to recognize each stripe in the same manner
as the single coloured object.
So even though the height of the two daymarks are the same, the range of the isolated danger mark will only be
one third of the single coloured lateral mark, due to overall size of the single colour and higher luminance of the
red stripe.
d
height
observer
single coloured daymark
d/3
height of a single stripe
observer
Figure 12 Single and multi coloured daymarks
Although this calculation is not exact, because the horizontal dimension was not regarded, it can be stated
generally:
The range of a multi coloured daymark is significantly lower than for
a single coloured daymark of the same size.
6. THE VIEWING CONDITIONS – MEDIA
6.1. VIEWING DISTANCE
The first aspect of viewing conditions is the distance between the daymark and the observer and their vertical
position. Because of the curvature of the Earth the daymark must have a certain height to be seen above the
horizon.
The minimum height hb,min of the lowest part of the daymark is given by the formula for geographical range Rg.
2.03 ,
Equation 1 Geographical range
Where:
Rg = geographical range (nautical miles)
ho = elevation of observer’s eye (metres)
hb = elevation of the base of the daymark (metres)
The constant is to allow for the curvature of the Earth and Atmospheric factors [18]. Climatic variations around
the world may lead to different factors being recommended. The typical range of factors is 2.03 to 2.12.
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If there are actual or potential obstructions between the observer and the daymark, then the height may have to
be modified to allow for this obstruction.
Table 4 shows some examples of ranges that can be achieved given the elevation of the observer and the
elevation of the base of the daymark being observed.
Table 4 Geographical Range in Nautical Miles (M)
Observer’s eye
Elevation of Daymark (metres)
height (metres)
0 1 2 3 5 10 20 30 50
3 3.5 5.5 6.4 7.0 8.1 9.9 12.6 14.6 17.9
5 4.5 6.6 7.4 8.1 9.1 11.0 13.6 15.7 18.9
10 6.4 8.4 9.3 9.9 11.0 12.8 15.5 17.5 20.8
20 9.1 11.1 11.9 12.6 13.6 15.5 18.2 20.2 23.4
30 11.1 13.1 14.0 14.6 15.7 17.5 20.2 20.2 25.5
40 12.8 14.9 15.7 16.4 17.4 19.3 21.9 24.0 27.2
50 14.4 16.4 17.2 17.9 18.9 20.8 23.4 25.5 28.7
In most situations the daymark’s visual range is less than the luminous range at night and so many daymarks are
used for short‐range navigation only. The geographical range of a daymark is often much larger than the
daymarks visual range. Therefore, the geographical range of a daymark is not critical in the design process.
6.2. METEOROLOGICAL VISIBILITY
The meteorological visibility is a way to describe the atmospheric extinction of light by the atmosphere.
Definition (IALA dictionary):
2‐1‐280 Meteorological Visibility
The greatest distance at which a black object of suitable dimensions can be seen and recognised by day against
the horizon sky, or, in the case of night observations, could be seen and recognised if the general illumination were
raised to the normal daylight level. The term may express the visibility in a single direction or the prevailing
visibility in all directions.
The meteorological visibility is not the daymark range. The definition describes a method of how to estimate the
visibility of the atmosphere. The object must be black to ensure maximum contrast against the sky at day and it
must be very large to provide a sufficient viewing angle for the observer. In practice a mountain with forest or a
dark building can be used.
An AtoN daymark has a colour according to the IALA MBS and therefore a smaller contrast than black. The size of
the daymark is limited as well. From this point of view, it can be stated generally:
The range of a daymark is always less than the meteorological visibility.
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6.3. KOSCHMIEDER'S LAW
One parameter relevant for the visibility of an object is the apparent contrast of an object at the position of the
observer (observer contrast).
The contrast C is defined by (see IALA dictionary):
Equation 2 Luminous Contrast
Where
C is the apparent contrast of an object against a sky background
Lo is the Luminance of the object
Lb is the Luminance of the background
In Figure 13 the scattering of light in the atmosphere is illustrated. Some amount of the (coloured) light which
moves in the direction of the observer is scattered by the atmosphere into a different direction and gets lost (1).
Some light (from background or sun light) is scattered into the direction of the observer (2).
background
Lb observer
object / daymark
2
Lo
1
d
Figure 13 Simplified illustration of light scattering in atmosphere
Koschmieder's law says that the observation contrast at a distance d is:
∗
0
Equation 3 Observation contrast
Where:
Co, the photometric contrast is the contrast without taking into account atmospheric extinction. It is
measured directly in front of the daymark.
Cd, the observation contrast, is the contrast as seen by a distant observer and takes in to account
atmospheric extinction.
z is the exponential factor (total attenuation includes absorption and scattering)
d is the distance
According to IALA E‐200‐2 the formula can be expressed by using the atmospheric transmissivity TM.
0
Equation 4 Observation contrast using atmospheric transmissivity
Where:
Cd is the observation contrast
TM is the transmissivity for 1 nautical mile
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d is the distance in nautical miles
When the meteorological visibility V is used the formula becomes:
/
0 0.05
Equation 5 Observation contrast using meteorological visibility
Where:
V is the meteorological visibility in nautical miles
d is the distance in nautical miles
Although Koschmieder's law is accepted as the basis for many calculations it must be stated that it is based on a
very simple physical model. The atmosphere must be homogenous and the illumination must be uniform and
diffuse.
Especially for direct sunlight illumination, Koschmieder's law is not very exact because the amount of light
scattered into the observer's direction depends on the sun position.
A physical description of Koschmieder's law is presented in ANNEX A.
6.4. BACKGROUND
The contrast C depends on the Luminance of the daymark and the background in its vicinity, so the visual
detection of the daymark is strongly influenced by the background.
The background can be divided into 3 main groups:
water surface near the horizon;
sky near the horizon;
shore with different landscapes or buildings.
All the backgrounds may change with weather conditions and season.
To expand on the above:
Water surface:
changes with wind and waves;
ice in winter;
sun light reflections.
Sky:
blue sky, red sky;
clouds;
sun behind daymark.
Shore:
vegetation in summer and winter;
snow.
As the daymark is static some assumptions have to be made about which background will be dominant over time.
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6.4.1. SKY AS THE BACKGROUND
For small ships the daymark may appear before the horizon sky.
background
observer
Figure 14 Sky as Background
Although topmarks are limited in size, black topmarks of the IALA cardinal and isolated danger marks have best
contrast (black topmark in front of bright sky).
6.4.2. SUN BEHIND A DAYMARK
The recognition of a daymark when the sun is visible in the vicinity at sunset or sunrise is poor. In many situations
colours and symbols cannot be recognized. However, the shape (outline) of the daymark can be identified.
6.4.3. WATER SURFACE AS BACKGROUND
For large vessels and floating aids the vertical position of the observer is much higher than the position of the
daymark so that the background for observation is the water surface.
Figure 15 Water surface as background
A smooth water surface acts as a perfect mirror for flat incident angles. However, because of the roughness of
the sea due to wind and waves, the luminance of the water surface is lower than that of the sky.
Measurements in the Baltic Sea showed that the luminance of the water surface is approximately 50% of the sky
luminance at the horizon (see ANNEX B).
6.4.4. LANDSCAPE AS BACKGROUND
When the landscape or shore is the background of the daymark, the contrast depends on the 'albedo' or
reflectance of the landscape. As for the water surface the landscape appears darker than the sky in most
situations. In most cases the albedo value is identical to the luminance factor (see [14]).
Table 5 Albedos for different surfaces [15]
Surface Typical albedo
Asphalt 0.04 ‐ 0.12
Forest 0.08 ‐ 0.15
Bare soil 0.17
Green grass 0.25
Desert 0.40
New concrete 0.55
Ocean ice 0.5 ‐ 0.7
Fresh snow 0.8 ‐ 0.9
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7. THE OBSERVER
7.1. EYE RESOLUTION AND SUBTENSE ANGLES
A simple model of the human eye is presented in ANNEX C.
For very good vision the observer might be able to resolve objects that appear smaller than 1' (arc minute), but he
is not able to identify them. Therefore, the minimum useful viewing angle should be larger than 1'.
This means:
1 arc minute is the lower limit for any useful viewing angle of a daymark.
7.2. NON‐UNIFORM DAYMARKS
One consequence of the limited eye resolution is the visual perception of a lattice construction or a 2‐colour
daymark.
As already stated, the quality of a daymark for AtoN depends on how it can be identified from a long distance.
The daymark will appear smaller when seen from afar.
The consequence is shown in Figure 16 for 3 different daymarks: a solid green square, a red lattice construction
and a 2‐colour daymark with red and green.
From a long distance the stripes of the lattice construction will melt together with the grey background. For the
2‐colour daymark the red and green part will melt together as well.
Figure 16 Influence of viewing angle on non‐uniform daymarks
In both cases the observed contrast at a long distance will become the mean value over the whole daymark
projection. For the lattice construction this will immediately reduce the contrast, e.g. if the lattice and the gap
are of same size the contrast is half the value of a single lattice.
The colour of the daymark seen from afar will be the mixture of the individual colour of the elements. For the
lattice construction red and grey are mixed to an unsaturated red. Green and red produce a brown colour (dark
yellow).
The solid daymark will appear the same at every distance until it vanishes.
From this point of view, a solid and single coloured daymark has the best visual performance (see also section
5.5).
When illuminated by direct sunlight the 3‐D surface elements of a daymark can emit different luminance (Figure
17).
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Figure 17 Direct illumination of a daymark (flat, cone, crossed plates)
Whereas the flat daymark shows a uniform surface to the observer, the projected surfaces of the other designs
break down into different regions with lower and higher luminance. The eye tends to prefer the brighter surfaces
so that the effective projected surface is smaller for the cone and the cross plates.
7.3. SHAPE RECOGNITION
In Figure 18 it is shown that for the recognition of simple shapes the viewing angle needs to be larger than 1' (eye
resolution).
As a rule of thumb the projection of a simple shape should appear at a minimum subtense angle of about 3'
(= 0.873 mrad) to provide identification. For safety reasons this value may be increased.
3'
daymark observer
Figure 18 Recognition of simple shapes
Some conventions about daymark range (DR) of simple shapes are shown in the table below.
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Table 6 Conventions on range and minimum viewing angle
Operational Range Lateral dimension in metres [m]
Viewing angle
[km] [M] 1' 2' 3' 4' 5'
(0.291 m rad) (0.582 m rad) (0.873 m rad) (1.16 m rad) (1.45 m rad)
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7.4. REQUIRED CONTRAST
For a single object the contrast is defined by (see 0)
Equation 6 Contrast for a single object
Where:
Lo = Luminance of the object
Lb = Luminance of the background
Under ideal conditions a contrast of 0.02 is sufficient for the detection of a large black object before horizon sky
(see IALA dictionary). For practical observation it was agreed to put the required minimum contrast to a value of
0.05.
For a large observation distance and for coloured daymarks not seen before the sky the required contrast needs
to be much higher than 0.05.
A theory about the required contrast for small objects depending on the viewing angle was given by M. P. Blaise
in IALA bulletin April 1971 (see ANNEX D). However, this theory is based on simple detection and not recognition
and does not include the colour difference to the background.
7.5. COLOUR RECOGNITION
The colour recognition depends on the:
brightness of the colour;
hue;
contrast to the background;
colour difference to the background.
In most situations the background appears nearly grey, so that the colour difference depends on the saturation of
the daymark only.
Colour recognition is better when there is a dark background.
When the background is very bright (e.g. sunset ‐ sunrise) colour recognition is poor.
The required hue and saturation are defined by the regions of IALA Recommendation E‐108 For the surface
colours used as visual signals on aids to navigation (specifications for ordinary and fluorescent colours). These
regions are based on considerations about the physiological features of the eye.
8. DESIGN OF DAYMARKS
8.1. FLOATING AIDS
For floating aids (mainly buoys) the following aspects should be considered:
8.1.1. 3‐D PROFILE
The preferred 3‐D profile has rotational symmetry around the vertical axis and is solid, so the projected shape
appears equal for nearly all positions around the buoy. Crossed plates and lattice construction can be used to
reduce weight and cost, but perform less effectively for visual perception.
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8.1.2. COLOUR
For buoys the background is arbitrary: it may be the water surface, the horizon sky or the landscape. Therefore, it
does not make sense to adjust the colour's brightness. Instead the buoy’s colours should be standardized where
highly saturated and bright colours are preferred.
The standard may include two qualities, for example, ordinary colours for average areas, fluorescent colours to
provide high conspicuity for difficult areas. Standardized colour collections for buoys can be found in IALA
Recommendation E‐108.
8.1.3. SIZE AND SHAPE OF SINGLE COLOURED BUOYS
A coloured buoy may be seen even when it has (luminance) contrast of zero to its background.
The minimum angular subtense of a single coloured buoy should be 3'. For safety reasons a value of 4' or 5' may
be chosen to define the daytime range and to calculate the required size of a buoy.
In many cases it is accepted that the height of a buoy shape is greater than the width with a ratio e.g. of 3:1 (see
[13] & [18]). This leads to the traditional buoy shapes.
To improve shape recognition additional wings may be introduced to the buoy structure (Figure 19). In this case
the shape of lateral and spherical buoys should be similar to the associated topmark. However, where this is not
practicable an attempt should be made to provide the closest representation of the required shape according to
the MBS.
The daymark’s range can be determined with Table 7, in section 7.3.
Figure 19 Buoys with wings, forming the silhouette corresponding to the type of mark
8.1.4. SIZE AND SHAPE OF CARDINAL‐BUOYS
The recognition of a cardinal buoy is based on either the recognition of the yellow‐black stripes or the top mark
(two cones). In most cases the body of the buoy is larger than the topmark, so the range for the 'stripes' is larger
than the topmarks.
As shown in 5.5 the daymark range of a 2‐colour buoy is significantly less than that of a single colour buoy.
A typical design of a cardinal buoy is shown in the next figure. The three stripes appear with different sizes
according to the different diameters of the buoy.
Figure 20 Traditional cardinal buoys
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When the observer moves away from the buoy the stripes become smaller and will disappear at the eye's
resolution. As they are different in size, each stripe has its own range. At these distances the daymark of the
buoy may be misleading, for example the observer sees a yellow dot only for cardinal north and west and
identifies a special mark.
To prevent this situation the preferred cardinal buoy presents each stripe in the same size as shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21 Preferred buoy design to optimize visual performance
The superstructure, which is the day mark of the buoy, should sit on the base body, which may be light grey or the
colour appropriate for the day mark.
Figure 22 Superstructure and base body
The influence on the buoy shape for cardinal marks was investigated by the French administration when they
switched from a classical buoy shape to cylindrical shape (Figure 23).
Figure 23 Comparison of traditional and new generation buoy
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It was confirmed by visual trials that the cylindrical shaped cardinal buoys increased the daymark range of the
buoys significantly.
8.1.5. SAFE WATER AND NEW‐DANGER MARKS
In the IALA MBS these marks show vertical stripes. The number of stripes is not fixed and three main
arrangements for the stripes have been used.
Figure 24 Vertical stripe arrangement on a safe water buoy
Whereas the arrangement '8 x 45°' is very conspicuous for short range, the width of the stripe should be larger to
enhance daymark range. For the arrangement '4 x 90°' only one stripe is completely visible in one direction. For
'6 x 60°' there is always a red and a white part visible. Regarding the daymark range, the optimum arrangement is
'6 x 60°’. Figure 5 shows a good example of how to achieve the shape of a safe water mark using additional
wings.
Figure 25 Example of Safe Water Mark with Additional Wings
8.1.6. STRUCTURAL OBSTRUCTIONS
In practice, a buoy needs additional equipment, which might cause conflict with its daymark function, for example
an eyelet, screws, bolts, a ladder, a lantern or solar panels.
The task is to minimise the negative effect of all these additional parts.
This can be achieved with the following measures:
as far as possible, the additional parts should show the same colour as the buoy;
when the position of the part may be moved, it should be moved such that it does not compromise the
navigational characteristics of the buoy;
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if the colour of the additional equipment cannot be chosen to be the same as for the buoy it should be a light
grey (e.g. RAL 7042).
Figure 26 Additional parts on a buoy
8.1.7. SOLAR PANELS
Solar panels are the most significant structural obstruction on a lighted buoy. The colour of the solar panel is
often a dark blue, which appears black from a long distance. Coloured solar panels are available but their
electrical efficiency is very low and, therefore, they are not suitable.
The dark blue panels may obstruct the identification of a cardinal buoy. For example, if an arrangement of panels
is set on the top of a cardinal south buoy, it may be appearing as an east cardinal.
To avoid this, the solar panels should be positioned in the black part of the cardinal buoy.
Figure 27 Conflict between solar panels and cardinal marks
The following photographs show examples of well‐designed cardinal buoys. In the left picture the shape has been
made cylindrical and the black and yellow stripes are of the same size. The solar panels are located in the black
part of the buoy's daymark. The lower part is grey and is therefore neutral. To minimize the wind force a lattice
construction is used. The right picture shows a buoy with additional wings to increase the visible surface of the
daymark.
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Figure 28 Optimized Cardinal buoys
Figure 29 Distribution of solar panels on a safe water mark.
Figure 29 shows that the positioning of the solar panels is important to maximize the daymark’s characteristics.
8.1.8. TOPMARKS
In general, topmarks of buoys are significantly smaller than the buoy itself. So the visual range of the topmark is
shorter as well.
However, topmarks play an important role in confirming the AtoN characteristics through the use of binoculars or
when one is at a distance below the recognition distance of the AtoN as a whole.
Topmarks are optional on all kinds of buoys, but for cardinal and isolated danger marks IALA MBS strongly
recommends the use of topmarks.
Buoys can be used in locations exposed to annual drifting ice, possibly of considerable thickness, that can destroy
equipment mounted on the buoy body. The use of topmarks may not be feasible in these situations.
8.1.8.1. Shape
The shapes used in the IALA‐MBS include cones, spheres, cylinders, X shapes and crosses (new danger mark).
They can be made with the profiles shown in 5.1.
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8.1.8.2. Dimensions
The dimensions should be as large as possible, taking into account the impact on the buoy's stability. The IALA
Maritime Buoyage System Guidelines [11] describe the relationship between the topmark and the buoy size.
Dimension X as shown in Figure 29 was originally defined as 25% to 30% of the buoy’s diameter. However, a
more practical figure is 15% to 25%.
X
CARDINAL MARKS
Cardinal topmarks N / E / S / W
X
1.25 X
LATERAL
0.9X a 1.5X
0.6X (Min
0.6X (Min
0.35X)
0.35X)
ESTRIBOR BABOR
Lateral topmarks (Region A)
X X
SPECIAL AND NEW
DANGER MARKS
0.15 X
X
15
0.
ISOLATED DANGER MARKS
SAFE WATER AND
0.5 X
X X
G S G S G O S O
Figure 30 Topmark proportions
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8.2. FIXED AIDS
Nearly all markings defined by IALA MBS for buoys, are used for fixed aids. So the information given above for
buoys may be used for fixed aids.
However, for floating aids there are a lot of design limitations caused by the floating features and maintenance
aspects.
For fixed aids there is more freedom in the design of daymarks.
For example:
A fixed daymark may be much larger and higher providing a long daymark range;
A specific colour scheme may be used to identify a particular fixed aid;
It may be flat;
It may be designed for a specific background;
It may have a background panel to show more contrast;
The design of the daymark should take into consideration environmental conditions such as wave action or
ice;
The supporting structure of a daymark may become part of the daymark or be used to enhance the
conspicuity (Figure 31).
Figure 31 Supporting structure used as a daymark
8.2.1. TRADITIONAL LIGHTHOUSES
The use of stripes is a traditional method to increase the conspicuity of lighthouses as daymarks. Regarding the
daymark range, the buildings should have a single colour to make the range as large as possible. A colour
combination red‐white is used to enhance conspicuity while accepting a reduced daymark range.
Because of its high conspicuity the colour combination red‐white is widely used for aeronautical daymarks and
road traffic signs as well.
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Figure 32 Red‐white horizontal stripes
A colour combination can also be used to identify a daymark. For this reason, special geometrical design (e.g.
rhombus) or a different colour combination (green‐white) can be used.
Figure 33 Rhombus design for the daymark of a light house
Figure 34 Alternative Colours for the daymark of a Lighthouse
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Some colour combinations should not be used arbitrarily. This is because the IALA MBS has already defined some
colour combinations for specific nautical information.
These are:
green‐red horizontal bands for channel division;
black‐red horizontal bands for isolated danger marks;
black‐yellow horizontal bands for cardinal marks;
white‐red vertical stripes for safe water marks;
blue‐yellow vertical stripes for new‐danger marks.
These colour combinations should only be used for fixed aids if the daymark has the same nautical meaning as the
corresponding buoy.
8.2.2. ADDITIONAL TOOLS FOR STRUCTURES USED AS DAYMARKS
In order to facilitate colour recognition, mainly in the case of lateral marks, it can be useful that the lower part of
the structure is painted white. The contrast with the surrounding and the upper part of the building, which shows
the colour, can be enhanced.
ØóL
Figure 35 White contrast painting for fixed lateral daymark buildings
Only the dimensions of the part painted in the colour corresponding to the type of signal should be used to
calculate a daymark's useful surface area.
The installation of a topmark or a specific shape for the building corresponding to the IALA MBS greatly enhances
the recognition of the daymark. Shape recognition is very important at backlight situations at certain times of the
day, because in backlight situations the colour recognition is poor (see Figure 36).
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Figure 36 Influence of the sun position on colour and shape recognition
In some cases, the structure may incorporate a projected profile of the specific IALA MBS mark. This can be
achieved in ways such as omni or unidirectional wings or panels (Figure 37).
Figure 37 Examples of a fixed structure daymark with unidirectional wings
8.2.3. WHITE DAYMARKS
The luminance factor or albedo (see 6.4.4) of the background (rock, forest) is often in the range between 0.05 and
0.2. So except for white, the standard colours green and red have approximately the same value and, therefore,
provide only a low luminance contrast (see 5.3.1).
For this reason, a white daymark is preferred in situations when the shore is the background and the design can
be chosen free from the constraints of the IALA MBS.
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Figure 38 White daymarks at the shore
However, a white daymark shows very low contrast in foggy viewing conditions and when the background is
covered with ice or snow.
8.2.4. DAYBOARD OF LEADING LINES
The daymarks of leading lines are described in IALA Guideline 1023 [5]. As leading lines are used in a small
horizontal sector only, the daymark should be flat. The Guideline proposes a dayboard with white and red
vertical stripes.
W/4
Figure 39 Example geometry of a leading line dayboard
Depending on the vertical height (Length) of the daymarks the guideline defines an operational range. The
operational range is therefore the daymarks range for this specific daymark layout. For good viewing conditions
(meteorological visibility 10 M) the operational range depends on the size (L = length) of the dayboard only.
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Table 8 Dayboard size and range
Figure 40 Daymarks defined by IALA Recommendation O‐113
From visual perception a white background panel does not increase the daymark range but makes the signs more
conspicuous.
Figure 41 Preferred daymark design
8.2.6. DESIGN OF SIGNS
The aspect of the limited eye resolution should be taken into account when designing a sign.
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EXAMPLE 1
The IALA recommendation O‐113 on the marking of bridges recommends a circle with white and red vertical
stripes. It does not define the exact picture of the daymark and the number of stripes, so both signs shown in
Figure 42 are valid.
Figure 42 Sign: best point of passage
However, the eye resolution for the sign on the left shows very small stripes so the daymark range will be
significantly shorter than for the right one. It is recommended to use the design in the right picture.
EXAMPLE 2
A direction arrow is used at a channel division, when one channel is closed, to show the mandatory direction.
Figure 43 shows two designs of a direction arrow. The arrowhead of the left design is very small and will become
invisible from a short viewing distance. The information (direction) is lost because the observer will see a black
horizontal bar at far distance.
The design in the right picture has an arrowhead, which is more than two times larger. This will increase the
daymark range by a factor more than two, so this design is preferred.
Figure 43 Direction arrow, showing preferred design in the right hand picture
A third example provided by the Canadian Coast Guard is given in ANNEX E.
8.3. GENERAL DESIGN METHODOLOGY
When designing a daymark, the visual aspects should be regarded first, because the visual aspect is directly linked
to the mariners need.
The following procedure shows some steps to find an appropriate design for the required daymark. The
procedure may be changed due to the knowledge of the authorities and local conditions.
In many cases it is not suitable to design each daymark separately. It is more effective to create classes of
daymarks with the intent to cover all applications of a region.
The result of the procedure may vary depending on the choice of convention adopted by the Competent
Authority.
The procedure starts with the collection of the parameters to use as input.
The design (size, profile, colour) can then be derived in several steps.
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8.3.1. INPUT
the type of daymark (MBS, buoy, fixed, …);
purpose and required range;
for fixed AtoN: arc (horizontal sector of utilisation: Omnidirectional / unidirectional);
background: shore (albedo), sky, water surface, snow, ice.
8.3.2. STEP 1
position and Height above sea level (see section 6.1);
Note: For some daymarks the position cannot be changed.
8.3.3. STEP 2
minimum dimension for the different shapes (Buoy size, top mark, boards);
Note: A convention about the required viewing angle should be in accordance with section 8.1.3
8.3.4. STEP 3
choose a profile according to Section 5.1: Flat, rotational symmetry (solid), crossed plates, lattice
construction;
is a Topmark required?
8.3.5. STEP 4
choose a colour according to existing recommendations, guidelines and standards:
MBS;
E‐112 leading lines, dayboards;
E‐108 ordinary colour, fluorescent colour, combination of colours.
establish the required contrast and size of the coloured stripes of a two coloured daymark;
establish the required contrast of a daymark to the background.
8.3.6. STEP 5
consider further design aspects, for example:
hydrostatic design of buoys;
safe access for maintenance;
cost;
supporting structure;
wind load;
wave force.
consider previous experience.
As a result of step 5 it might be established that the design of the daymark is cost prohibitive or is not viable
taking into account wind load, wave force or similar aspects. In these situations, the input parameters should be
checked and changed. With the new input the steps should be repeated. In general, if the required range cannot
be achieved it is possible to use smaller daymarks at shorter interval distances.
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8.4. LIMITATIONS AND SERVICE FACTORS
8.4.1. SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
The tools to optimise the visual properties of a daymark are mainly limited to size and contrast. To provide a long
range often means to build large daymarks. However, the size cannot be increased due to the following
limitation:
weight;
wind force;
snow and ice accumulation.
All three aspects cause the fixed or floating supporting structure to become very large and costly. For this reason,
there is a need to find an acceptable balance between the visual features of a daymark and the practical
installation.
8.4.2. COLOUR FADING
Fading of the daymark’s colour is a result of the attack by the sunlight in combination with humidity, acid rain and
mechanical abrasion. Selection of the type of paint system, coloured film or plastic material should be made for
maximum stability. Service providers should carry out periodic tests to confirm that the daymark colour remains
within IALA guidance. It may be necessary to increase the frequency of painting in order to ensure that the
daymark colour maintains its performance within IALA guidance.
8.4.3. BIRD FOULING
Bird fouling can obscure the colour of a daymark and prevent identification. The corrosive effects of bird fouling
can cause damage leading to reduced life or premature failure. Daymark design must therefore be such as to
avoid providing any natural bird resting sites. The use of long flexible spikes on all potential land sites can be
helpful. However, care must be taken to ensure that these do not create a hazard for people attending the AtoN.
(See [21])
8.4.4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS IN BUOY DESIGN
Local environmental conditions can give rise to the need for special design of daymarks that may not conform to
the general guidance in this document. Such conditions include drifting ice, debris in rivers and buoys in breaking
wave conditions.
Buoys located in areas exposed to annual drifting ice, possibly of considerable thickness, that can destroy
equipment mounted on the buoy body. Buoys in such areas must generally be designed with a slender body with
minimal projections and be completely sealed. Use of additional daymark boards or topmark may not be feasible.
Consequently, the use of shape recognition for lateral buoys is not always possible.
8.5. DESIGN EXAMPLES
8.5.1. EXAMPLE 1
A pair of lateral buoys with a daymark range of 3 M
Minimum observer's height above sea level: 1 m
Step 1
Position is given by nautical requirements only.
Height (geographical range) can be neglected (see section 6.1).
Step 2
Size of the buoy for a convention 3’ vertical and 1’ horizontal;
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Daymark height, H = 3 x 1852m x tan (3’) ≈ 4.9 m;
Daymark width, W = 3 x 1852m x tan (1’) ≈ 1.6 m;
The daymark size of the buoy is set to a height of 4.9 m and a diameter of 1.6 m.
Step 3
Preferred 3D profile: Solid shape with rotational symmetry (see section 5.1.2).
To increase the width and to provide shape recognition additional wings should be used.
Shape recognition of wings is acceptable, no topmark required.
Step 4
Ordinary Red or Green;
Coloured plastic (non‐fluorescent).
Step 5
Manufacturing: roto‐moulding polyethylene;
Confirm the acceptability of dimensions with other tools (e.g. hydrostatic or wind load calculation);
Optional: solar box with a light on top of the buoy.
1600 mm 1600 mm
4900 mm
Figure 44 Resulting buoy shape for Example 1
8.5.2. EXAMPLE 2
A pair of lateral buoys with a daymark range of 1 NM
Minimum observer's height above sea level: 1 m
Step 1
Position is given by nautical requirements only.
Height (geographical range) can be neglected (see section 6.1).
Step 2
Size of the buoy for a convention 3’ vertical and 1’ horizontal;
Daymark height, H = 1 x 1852m x tan (3’) ≈ 1.6 m;
Daymark width, W = 1 x 1852m x tan (1’) ≈ 0.54 m;
The daymark size of the buoy is set to a height of 1.6 m and a diameter of 0.54 m;
For the conical shape the required width is the average diameter of the cone.
Step 3
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Preferred 3‐D profile: solid shape with rotational symmetry (see section 5.1.2).
To improve recognition, the buoy should be designed with conical and cylindrical shapes according to IALA MBS.
Step 4
Ordinary Red or Green;
Coloured plastic (non‐fluorescent).
Step 5
Manufacturing: rotomoulding polyethylene;
Confirm the acceptability of dimensions with other tools (e.g. hydrostatic or wind load calculation).
540 mm 540 mm
1600 mm
Figure 45 Resulting buoy shape for Example 2
8.5.3. EXAMPLE 3
Lateral daymarks for port entrance, fixed, with a daymark range of 5 NM
Minimum observer's height above sea level: 1 m
Step 1
Fixed Position is given by nautical requirements only (geographical co‐ordinate)
Height (geographical range) can be derived from section 6.1
Equation 7 Deriving geographical range from height
Where:
Rg is the geographic range (nautical miles)
ho is the elevation of the observer’s eye (metres)
hb,min lowest part of the daymark above sea level (see Equation 1)
Step 2
Size of the daymark for a convention 3’ vertical and 1’ horizontal.
Daymark height H = 5 x 1852m x tan (3’) ≈ 8.1 m;
Daymark width W = 5 x 1852m x tan (1’) ≈ 2.7 m.
The daymark should be visible from a sector of approximately 180° outside the port.
Step 3
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In this step it is decided to provide colour recognition only. Shape recognition can be omitted. No topmark is
required.
A cylindrical structure with min. 10.2 m (8.1 m + 2.1m) above sea level and a diameter of min. 2.7 m is chosen.
Step 4
Ordinary Red or Green, painted on structure.
To increase conspicuity the lower part of the building is painted white.
(8.1 m) be painted in red or green and the lowest part (2.1m) of the building will be painted in white.
Step 5
Confirm the acceptability of dimensions with other tools (e.g. wind load calculations)
2,7 m
8,1 m
2,1 m
Figure 46 Resulting daymark shape for Example 3
8.5.4. EXAMPLE 4
South cardinal buoy with a day mark range of 1.5 NM equipped with solar panels and top marks
Step 1
Position is given by nautical requirements only.
Height (geographical range) can be neglected (see section 6.1).
Step 2
Size of each stripe for a convention 3’ vertical and 1’ horizontal (see section 5.5)
Daymark height, H = 1.5 x 1852m x tan (3’) ≈ 2.4 m;
Daymark width, W = 1.5 x 1852m x tan (1’) ≈ 1.2 m.
The daymark size of each coloured stripe is set to a height of 2.4 m and a diameter of 1.2 m.
Step 3
From design criteria a structure with additional wings is used to increase the width of the daymark and therefore
improve recognition.
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The hull of the buoy is set to 3 metres by the designer.
The dimension X of the topmark becomes 25% of the diameter of the hull. The proportions of the topmark are
calculated according to section 8.1.8.2.
Step 4
Ordinary Yellow and black;
Coloured plastic (non‐fluorescent).
Step 5
Manufacturing: 3 m diameter elastomeric hull;
The total height of the day mark is 4.8 meters (two horizontal stripes 2 x 2.4 m);
Confirm the acceptability of dimensions with other tools (e.g. hydrostatic or wind load calculation);
Solar panels are placed in the lower black part of the buoy.
Figure 47 Resulting design for Example 4 (units are in mm)
8.5.5. EXAMPLE 5
A set of lateral daymarks with a range of 4M and a limited arc of utilisation on a small supporting structure
Step 1
Position is given by nautical requirements only.
Height (geographical range) can be neglected (see section 6.1).
The arc of utilisation is less than 60°
Step 2
The daymark should have shape recognition with cone (triangle) and cylinder (rectangle). The size of the shapes
is calculated for a convention of 3’ with the Geometry of topmarks. (see section 8.1.8.2)
Daymark width, W = X = 4 x 1852m x tan (3’) ≈ 6.5 m;
For green triangle: Hgreen = 0.9 x 6.5m ≈ 5.8 m;
For red rectangle: Hred = 1.25 x 6.5m ≈ 8.1 m.
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Step 3
Because of the limited arc of utilisation, a flat daymark is chosen
Step 4
Ordinary Red and Green Colour on a steel construction
Step 5
As a result of design consideration about stability, wind load and cost, it is decided to use a lattice construction on
a thin steel supporting structure.
6.5 m
6.5 m
8.1 m
5.8 m
Figure 48 Resultant design of Example 5
9. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AtoN Aid(s) to Navigation
CEVNI Code Européen des Voies de Navigation Intérieure
CIE Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (International Commission on Illumination)
DR Daymark Range
IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
MBS IALA Maritime Buoyage System
NCS Natural Colour System (Sweden)
NM Nautical Miles
RAL RAL Classic system (Reichs‐Ausschuß für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung)
SIGNI Signs and Signals on Inland Waterways, UN, ECE, Resolution No 22
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SMA Swedish Maritime Administration
2‐D 2‐Dimensional
3‐D 3‐Dimensional
10. REFERENCES
[1] IALA Maritime Buoyage System and other Aids to Navigation.
[2] Signalisation maritime Documentation technique, French lighthouse technical documentation: CETMEF
[3] CIE110 Spatial distribution of daylight ‐ Luminance distribution of various reference skies.
[4] IALA Conference Presentation 1990 about lettering and signs, 'Studies on the recognizability of symbols and
letterings on aids to navigation, Dr. Gerdes, Federal Republic of Germany.
[5] IALA Guideline 1023 The Design of Leading Lines.
[6] Theorie der horizontalen Sichtweite, Theory of horizontal visual range, Koschmieder, Meteorologische
Zeitschrift 11/1926.
[7] Farbe und Sichtbarkeit, Colour and visibility Hoffmann, DFVLR, 1977, Germany.
[8] M. Blaise, IALA Bulletin No. 47 (April, 1971) article Titled 'Daymarks as Aids to Navigation'.
[9] IALA Recommendation E‐200 On Marine Signal Lights.
[10] IALA NAVGUIDE.
[11] IALA Maritime Buoyage System.
[12] IALA Recommendation E‐108 on Surface Colour.
[13] Standardization of U.S. Coast Guard Leading Lines, IALA Conference 1998, Engineering.
[14] Grundlagen der Lichttechnik, Fundamentals of light technology: Dietrich Gall, Germany.
[15] Wikipedia article 'Albedo', 2011‐08‐16
[16] Libro de Normas Técnicas of 1986. Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Urbanismo. Spain
[17] Manual de Sinalização Náutica of the Brazilian lighthouse service.
[18] 'Über den Einfluss der Komponenten des Wasserverkehrssystem auf die Sicherheit des Seeschiffsverkehrs',
University of Hanover, Germany.
[19] IALA Recommendation on the Marking of Fixed Bridges and Other Structures over Navigable Waters.
[20] Basic Guidelines for the design of visual marine aid to navigation daymarks, Puertos del Estado, Spain, 2010
[21] IALA Guideline 1091 on Bird Deterrents.
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ANNEX A PHYSICAL MODEL OF KOSCHMIEDER'S LAW
In the physical model of Koschmieder, the visible luminance of the object at the Observer's eye can be calculated
as well:
∗ ∗
∗ ∗ 1
Equation 8 Visible luminance
Where:
Lo is the luminance of the object
Lb is the luminance of the background
z is the exponential factor (total attenuation includes absorption and scattering)
d is the distance
The main conclusion of Koschmieder's law is that an object seen from a far distance will fade and contrast
becomes zero.
The original formula of Koschmieder does not include colour. This was added by Hoffmann in 1977 [7]. He
calculated the movement of chromaticity X, Y, Z depending on the distance, where Y is identical with L.
∗ ∗
∗ ∗ 1
∗ ∗
∗ ∗ 1
∗ ∗
∗ ∗ 1
Equation 9 Movement of chromaticity
With these calculations it can be shown that the colour of the object will move to the colour of the background
when seen from afar.
Although the formulae above include colour it does not include the spectral dependency of the atmospheric light
scattering. This could be done with the spectral distribution of the light radiance Sλ.
∗ ∗
, , ∗ , ∗ 1
Equation 10 Spectral dependency of atmospheric light scattering
This calculation requires the spectral distribution of the background Sλ,b , the object Sλ,o and the exponential factor
zλ.
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ANNEX B STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SKY LUMINANCE
As an example, the statistical distribution of the sky luminance near the horizon is shown in Figure 49. The values
are based on measurements of the German administration at the Baltic Sea from January to December 2003.
Luminance of the sky near horizon
250
200
Number of counts
150
100
50
0
0
00
00
0
0
00
00
10
0
00
00
00
0
-2
-5
00
00
00
00
0
-1
-2
-5
<
00
10
-1
-2
-5
0
-1
10
20
00
00
>
50
00
0
10
20
00
00
0
50
00
10
20
50
Figure 49 Statistical distribution of sky luminance, Baltic Sea 2003
Luminance of the water surface near horizon
250
200
number of counts
150
100
50
0
0
00
00
0
0
00
00
10
0
00
00
00
0
-2
-5
00
00
00
00
0
-1
-2
-5
<
00
10
-1
-2
-5
0
-1
10
20
00
00
>
50
00
0
10
20
00
00
0
50
00
10
20
50
Figure 50 Statistical distribution of water surface luminance, Baltic Sea 2003
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ANNEX C SIMPLE MODEL OF THE HUMAN EYE
C 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Both physical and psychological aspects of the observer have influence on the visual perception. Although the
human eye acts as the physical sensor, the picture the observer sees is the result of an image processing by the
neuronal parts of the eye and the brain.
A simplified model of the human eye is shown in Figure 51.
lens, focusable
optical
axis
vitreous humour
pupil
(diaphragm)
Figure 51 Simple model of the eye
The simple optical model of the human eye consists of a focusable lens, a pupil, which defines the open diameter
of the lens and the fovea (sensor) near the optical axis.
The eye has the following properties:
• focal length: approximately 16 mm when focused at infinity;
• pupil diameter: 2 ‐ 8 mm;
• sensor density at fovea: cones 142 000 cells/mm² ( 377 cells/mm);
• visual sensitivity: approx. 10‐5 cd/m² ‐ 10+5 cd/m².
The eye has two different sensor types: cones and rods. The cones are for daytime and the rods are for night‐
time perception. For daymarks the cones are relevant. It can be assumed that the identification of a daymark
requires that the observer looks straight at it. That means the daymark and its picture are at the optical axis of
the eye. In this region the cone density is at its maximum, so the eye resolution has its maximum too.
The fovea cones have a distance of about 1/ 377 mm ≈ 2.65 μm and this distance corresponds to an angular
separation of:
2.65
0.57′
16
Equation 11 Angular separation of Fovea cones
As shown above the theoretical eye resolution can be less than 1'. However, it is an accepted convention to use
1' (arc minute) as an approximation for the eye resolution. Eye resolution means that two small objects with
good contrast can be seen as two different objects when the viewing angle is at least 1'.
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C 2 SHAPE RECOGNITION
A picture of the object (daymark) is projected at the fovea. In a simple model the sensors at the fovea (cones)
have a distance of approx. 2.65 µm which leads to a resolution of 0.57' = 0.166 mrad (Figure 52).
2,65 µm
sensor
element
(cone)
Figure 52 Simple fovea model
When the observer sees a simple daymark shape (cylinder, cone, sphere) the sensor elements are stimulated as
shown in Figure 52.
2.65 µm
13.3 µm 13.3 µm
13.3 µm 13.3 µm
Figure 53 Stimulated cones for simple shapes
Figure 53 illustrates the influence of the sensor density at fovea on shape recognition. The three simple IALA
shapes can be safely identified when the shape is projected into an array of 5 x 5 sensor elements.
So the minimum outer dimension of a simple shape projected at the fovea should have approx. 13.3 µm.
Combined with the focal length of the eye (approx. 16 mm) the minimum value for shape identification is:
1.33
0.0476° 2.86′ 3′
16
Equation 12 Minimum value for shape identification
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ANNEX D BLAISE THEORY1
M. P. Blaise, from the French administration, published a theory in IALA bulletin April 1971. He stated that there
are two different regions for visibility.
Angular subtense angle larger than 3' (0.8725 mrad): The visibility depends on the contrast only.
Angular subtense angle smaller than 3' (0.8725 mrad): The visibility depends on the product of the contrast and
the apparent solid angle of the object.
daymark
solid angle
observer
(projection)
Figure 54 Blaise theory
For a large distance d the solid angle is approximated by:
∗
Ω
Equation 13 Solid angle for a large distance
To simplify calculation Blaise assumed so the solid angle is 2 : Ω .
The viewing angle of the object is: (in radians).
So Blaise theory can be expressed in the following way:
2
6
for 0.8725 required contrast at the observer’s eye | | 0.038 ∗ 10 ∗ .
∗
Equation 14 Blaise theory ( < 0.8725 mrad)
for 0.8725 required contrast at the observer’s eye | | 0.05.
Equation 15 Blaise theory ( > 0.8725 mrad)
Remarks:
1 Blaise theory is based on simple detection of the daymark not on recognition or identification;
2 In the publication, Blaise sets the limit for α to 1 mrad. However, the formula for C is continuous only for α
= 0.8725 mrad = 3', so this value is chosen here.
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ANNEX E EXAMPLE CANADIAN DAYMARKS
The Canadian Coast Guard uses flat day marks on fixed aids to navigation. These flat day marks are defined in an
operational directive. For the lateral marks the following daymarks are specified.
Figure 55 Canadian standard daybeacon
The shapes of the daymarks are in accordance with the IALA MBS. The colour in the centre is fluorescent red or
green. For the port hand day beacon a black square may be used as an alternative.
The signs have a white contrast panel, which is surrounded by a small tape of retroreflective material in red or
green.
The Canadian directive gives information about the useful range (design distance) for a specific size of the central
shape.
SG SR
Figure 56 Relevant dimensions of the daymark
Table 9 Design distance for Canadian daybeacons
Viewing angle at
Type Dimension Design distance
design distance
Port SG = 0.3 m 1000 m 1'
SG = 0.45 m 1500 m 1'
SG = 0.9 m 3000 m 1'
Starboard SR = 0.4 m 1000 m 1.4'
SR = 0.6 m 1500 m 1.4'
SR = 1.2 m 3000 m 1.4'
From the table above it can be derived that there will not be shape recognition of the central shape at design
distance, because the viewing angle is near the eye resolution (see 7.1). If the dayboard size were chosen to
provide a viewing angle of 3', they should be 3 times larger than described. This would cause very high costs
especially for the supporting structures and the measures taken against the wind force.
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However, the Canadian directive is a very good example of how to handle this handicap.
The recognition is improved by using:
• a white contrast panel;
• fluorescent colour;
• black instead of green for port sign.
Therefore, at large observation distances the mariner will identify the beacon by colour and not by shape.
Because green cannot be identified as well as red from a long distance, the use of a black square instead may be
more effective.
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