What are the two main buoyage systems included in IALA?

The two main buoyage systems included in the IALA (International Association of Lighthouse Authorities) are designed to facilitate navigation and ensure safety at sea by providing clear guidance to mariners. Region A covers the waters of Europe, Africa, and the majority of Asia, while Region B is primarily utilized in the Americas and the western Pacific.

Each region has distinct buoy characteristics, particularly in the color and shape of the navigational aids, which are crucial for ensuring that they can effectively convey information about the safe passage through waterways. For example, Region A typically uses green buoys to mark the port side and red buoys for the starboard side when entering a harbor, whereas Region B reverses this color scheme.

The distinction between these regions is essential for mariners, as it helps avoid confusion and enhances maritime safety, allowing vessels to navigate safely regardless of where they are operating. This is why identifying the two main regions as Region A and Region B is accurate and reflects the IALA's efforts to standardize maritime buoyage systems globally.