Minn. R. agency 158, ch. 6110, BOAT AND WATER SAFETY, pt. 6110.1500
Except as hereinafter provided, or as otherwise provided by law, all waterway markers placed in or upon the waters of the state by public authority or under a permit issued by the sheriff of any county for the purposes hereinafter set forth shall have the form, size, lighting, reflectorization, and coloration prescribed therefor. When referring to lights on a waterway marker, "flashing" means not more than 30 flashes per minute and "quick-flashing" means at least 60 flashes per minute.
Channel marker buoys:
A buoy indicating that a watercraft should not pass between it and the nearest shore shall have a circular transverse cross-section measuring not less than nine inches in diameter and shall extend at least 36 inches above the surface of the water. Each such buoy shall be marked with alternating vertical black and white stripes. White reflectorization may be used on a minimum of the upper three inches of the white vertical stripe. A white quick-flashing light shall be used if the buoy is lighted.
A buoy indicating the center or midpoint of a channel shall have a circular transverse cross-section measuring not less than nine inches in diameter and shall extend at least 36 inches above the surface of the water. Each such buoy shall be marked with alternating vertical red and white stripes and may have a red spherical top mark approximately the same diameter as the diameter of the buoy. White reflectorization may be used on a minimum of the upper three inches of the white vertical stripes. Red reflectorization may be used on a minimum of the upper three inches of the red vertical stripes. A white flashing light shall be used if the buoy is lighted. A daymark (sign) may be used in place of a buoy and must extend out of the water a minimum of 36 inches. The daymark must be octagonal in shape with a white border, white on the left side and red on the right side of the sign as it faces the boater.
Every buoy placed in the waters of the state for use in anchoring or mooring watercraft may be of any practicable size or shape, but must have at least eight inches extending above the waterline. No anchoring buoy may have a diameter of over 24 inches circular or a width of more than 24 inches if some other shape. No mooring or anchor buoy may be placed in any public water if it obstructs access to any public or private property or creates a navigational hazard. No mooring or anchor buoy may be placed in or upon the water of the state except by public authority or under a permit issued by the sheriff of the county. Every such buoy shall be colored white and shall be encircled by a visible blue band at least one inch wide. Mooring buoys must have a minimum total of 16 square inches of white reflectorization, part of which must be visible from any direction. Mooring buoys, if lighted, shall show a flashing white light.
Regulatory and information signs and buoys:
When a buoy is used as a regulatory or informational marker (except in private swimming areas), it shall have two orange-colored horizontal bands completely around the buoy's circumference, one such band at the top, and the other just above the waterline. The appropriate geometric shape(s) indicating the buoy's purpose and any lettering or numerals shall be placed between these horizontal bands. The buoy itself shall have a circular transverse cross section of at least nine inches and shall extend at least 36 inches above the surface of the water. Except for danger areas, a white flashing light shall be used on all buoys or signs in this subpart, if the buoy or sign is lighted. If lighted, buoys or signs that mark danger areas must display a white quick-flashing light.
Signs or buoys designating state game refuges, wildlife management areas, or spawning areas shall not be subject to the provisions of this order.
Signs or buoys designating state game refuges, wildlife management areas, or spawning areas shall not be subject to the provisions of this order.
Where used, except for the marking of aeration systems operating under a permit from the commissioner of natural resources, these signs shall completely line the perimeter of the ice hazard at intervals not exceeding 75 feet and shall be at least 48 inches above the ice. When a permit is issued for an aeration system, the commissioner shall specify the marking requirements for each system as a part of the permit.
Buoys or signs indicating an area that is infested with Eurasian water milfoil may be marked using a solid yellow sign or buoy. If a buoy is used, it shall be no less than four inches in diameter and extend at least 30 inches above the surface of the water. The words "Milfoil" or "Milfoil Area" must appear on opposing sides of the buoy in at least two-inch high black letters. If a sign is used, it shall be no more than 12 inches in width or more than 18 inches in height and extend at least 30 inches above the surface of the water at normal high water level. The words "Milfoil" or "Milfoil Area" must appear on the sign in at least two-inch high black letters.
Whenever an emergency situation requires that immediate warning be given of a hazardous condition, any appropriate marker may be used until such time as the emergency ceases to exist or until a marker complying with these rules can be obtained. In addition, the commissioner or designee may exempt specific types of waterway markers or buoys from the dimensional requirements of this part where safety would not be adversely affected and may also designate buoys or markers for purposes not previously set forth in this part.
Minn. R. agency 158, ch. 6110, BOAT AND WATER SAFETY, pt. 6110.1500
Statutory Authority: MS s 86B.211; 361.25