Supplementary signals and practical situations

The system extends beyond the six best-known mark families. Lighthouses, leading lines, sector lights, beacons, major floating aids and auxiliary marks also supply information. Not all use lateral colour logic. R1001 includes other marks and local context, while RBMN retains separate articles for these structures. The drawing distinguishes physical presence, transmission origin and electronic representation rather than merging everything into one buoy icon assumed to exist wherever displayed. Documentary role matters as much as a familiar silhouette in understanding an aid.

A lighthouse is a conspicuous structure at a designated geographical location carrying a light and providing a day reference. A beacon is fixed and a buoy floating. Portuguese RBMN has its particular water/shore terminology alongside lit and unlit marks. A major floating aid can carry electronic aids without its body colour choosing a passing side. Height or dramatic appearance does not replace published identity. A lighthouse name likewise does not automatically describe all sectors, periods or local uses of the structure’s lights.