The Orca Navigation App is designed to make boating safer, easier, and more intuitive for everyone, whether you're a seasoned skipper or a curious new explorer. A key part of that experience is the visual chart interface, which uses standardized colors and symbols to guide you on the water. This article walks you through what those symbols and colors mean, so you can navigate with confidence.
Chart Colors, Markers & Symbols
Chart Colors
Grey – Land: Avoid unless you're on foot.
Blue (Dark to Light) – Water: Darker shades indicate deeper waters.
Green – Intertidal Zones: May be dry at low tide, submerged at high tide.
Magenta – Navigation Aids and Recommended Tracks: Follow for safe passage.
Markers & Buoys
🔴 Red – Starboard-hand: Keep to your right when entering from sea.
🟢 Green – Port-hand: Keep to your left when entering from sea.
🟡 Yellow – Special Areas: Scientific zones, caution areas, etc.
🟠 Orange – Local Zones: Often no-wake or regulation-specific areas.
🔵 Blue – Facilities: Moorings, marina services.
Chart Symbols
Anchorage – Safe place to anchor.
Marina / Docks – Harbors and docking facilities.
Tidal / Current Flow – Arrows show direction and flow.
Lighthouse / Beacon – A light source for nighttime navigation.
Ferry Lanes / Traffic Zones – Areas with vessel traffic separation.
Rock / Submerged Danger – Exercise caution.
Beacons & Buoys
Cardinal (N, E, S, W) – Mark dangers and indicate safe water direction.
Lateral (Port, Starboard, Channel) – Show navigational routes and limits.
Safe Water & Isolated Danger – Special buoys for open water or hazards.
Shapes: Can, Cone, Sphere, Spar, Pillar – Indicate buoy type and meaning.
Structures
Towers, Pylons, Cairns, Poles – Man-made aids to navigation.
Dolphins, Piles, Mooring Buoys – Indicate mooring or hazard structures.
Special Features
Seaplane Areas, Marine Farms, Wind Turbines – Marked for safety and avoidance.
Fog Signals, Floodlights, Vertical Clearance Warnings – Alert mariners to key risks or limits.
Icon Reference - Key visuals you should know
