O-139-2013 Marking-of-man-made-offshore-structures

International Association of Marine Aids to
IALA Recommendation O-139

Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
on
The Marking of Man-Made Offshore Structures
Edition 2
December 2013
Edition 1: December 2008
AISM Association Internationale de Signalisation Maritime IALA
10, rue des Gaudines

78100 Saint Germain en Laye, France
Telephone: +33 1 34 51 70 01 Fax: +33 1 34 51 82 05
e-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.iala-aism.org
IALA Recommendation O-139 – The Marking of Man-made Offshore Structures
Edition 1: December 2008 - Edition 2: December 2013
Document Revisions
Revisions to the IALA Document are to be noted in the table prior to the issue of a revised
document.
Date Page / Section Revised Requirement for Revision

Due to the technological and operational
developments that occurred in the
offshore structures activities in the sea,
December 2013 Entire document
it was necessary to update this
recommendation in order to respond to
the identified marking.
Page 2 of 34
Recommendation on
The Marking of Man-Made Offshore Structures
(Recommendation O-139)
THE COUNCIL:
RECALLING the function of IALA with respect to Safety of Navigation, the efficiency of
maritime transport and the protection of the environment;
RECOGNISING that there is an increase in new and emerging uses of ocean and coastal
waters, subsoil and seabed, an increase of seaborne trade, increasing demands of energy
resources, increasing recreational use and increasing pollution threats from both ocean
uses and an expansion of coastal populations.
RECOGNISING ALSO that the number and types of man-made structures being built in
the maritime environment are increasing.
RECOGNISING ALSO the need to provide consistency in marking different types of
offshore structures which may be a danger to navigation.
RECOGNISING ALSO that it is a matter for a National Authority to decide on whether a
man-made structure needs to be marked, depending on the risk involved and the level of
traffic.
RECOGNISING ALSO that IMO Resolution A.672(16), dated 6th December 1989,
established Guidelines and Standards for the Removal of Offshore Installations and
Structures on the Continental Shelf and in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which
incorporate requirements for such installations and structures, whilst being removed, to be
marked in accordance with IALA Recommendations.
RECOGNISING FURTHER that marking is to improve the safety to navigation and protect
the structures themselves.
ADOPTS the recommendation on the Marking of Man-Made Offshore Structures as set
out in the following Sections.
NOTING that the content of recommendations for marking as outlined in IALA
Recommendations:
O-114 “The Marking of Offshore Structures” Edition 1 May 1998
O-116 “The Marking of Aquaculture Farms” Edition 2 June 2007
O-117 “The Marking of Offshore Wind Farms” Edition 2 December 2004
O-131 “The Marking of Offshore Wave and Tidal Energy Devices” Edition 1 June 2005
have been withdrawn and are superseded by IALA Recommendation O-139.
RECOMMENDS that Members ensure that the marking of man-made structures conforms
to the standards and practices specified in the following Sections of this recommendation.
* * *
Page 3 of 34
Table of Contents
Document Revisions 1
Recommendation on The Marking of Man-Made Offshore Structures 3
Table of Contents 4
Index of Figures 5
1. INTRODUCTION 7
1.1 Scope 7
1.2 Field of Application 7
1.3 Information and promulgation 7
1.4 Emergency provisions and contingency plans 7
2. MARKING OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES 8
2.1 MARKING OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES / PLATFORMS IN GENERAL 8
2.1.1 General 8
2.1.2 Marking 9
2.1.3 Considerations during construction and decommissioning 10
2.2 MARKING OF OIL AND GAS PLATFORMS 11
2.3 MARKING OF OFFSHORE WINDFARMS 11
2.3.1 Marking of Isolated WTG, Meteorological Masts and other Individual Structures 12
2.3.2 Marking of Floating Wind Turbine Structures 13
2.3.3 Marking of Group of Structures (Offshore Wind Farms) 13
2.4 MARKING OF OFFSHORE WAVE AND TIDAL ENERGY DEVICES 14
The level of marking should be decided after a risk assessment has been conducted. 15
2.4.1 2.4.1 Marking 15
2.5 MARKING OF OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE FARMS 16
2.5.1 Marking Examples 17
3. FUTURE REQUIREMENTS 19
4. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS 20
APPENDIX 1 INVENTORY OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES 21
1. AQUACULTURE FARMS 21
2. ARTICULATED LOADING PLATFORM (ALP) (OIL & GAS PERMANENT
INSTALLATIONS) 22
3. CALM (OIL & GAS PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS - LOADING / DISCHARGE
BUOYS) 23
4. FLOATING PRODUCTION STORAGE OFFLOADER (FPSOS) (LOADING /
DISCHARGE BUOYS) 24
5. FLOATING WIND TURBINE 24
6. FLOTEL (OIL & GAS TEMPORARY STRUCTURES) 25
7. LNG OFFLOADING POINTS 25
8. METEOROLOGICAL MASTS 26
Page 4 of 34
9. MINIMUM FACILITY PLATFORM (MFP) 26

10. OFFSHORE DOCKS / LOADING ISLANDS 27
11. PIPES 27
12. PRODUCTION PLATFORM / DRILLING RIGS 28
13. SEAPLANE BERTH 28
14. SEAWATER INTAKES / SEWAGE OUTFALLS 29
15. SINGLE POINT MOORING (SPM) (LOADING / DISCHARGE BUOYS) 29
16. TENSION LEG PLATFORM (TLP) (OIL & GAS PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS) 30
17. TIDAL GENERATOR 31
18. TIDAL GENERATOR FIELD 31
19. UNDERWATER MANIFOLDS / OBSTRUCTIONS 32
20. WATER INJECTION PLATFORMS OR BOOSTER STATION (WIPS) 32
21. WAVE GENERATOR 33
22. WAVE GENERATOR FIELD 33
23. WIND GENERATOR 34
24. OFFSHORE WIND FARM 34
Index of Figures
Figure 1 Sample marking of an individual wind turbine 13
Figure 2 Sample marking of an OWF 14
Figure 3 – Wave and tidal devices 16
Figure 4 A. Rectangular Aquaculture Farms 18
Figure 4 B. Circular Aquaculture Farms 19
Figure 5 A fish farm 21
Figure 6 A diagram of an Articulated Platform 22
Figure 7 A Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring buoy 23
Figure 8 A Floating Production Storage Offloader 24
Figure 9 A floating wind turbine 24
Figure 10 An example of a Flotel 25
Figure 11 An LNG Offloading Point 25
Figure 12 Meteorological Masts 26
Figure 13 An example of a Minimum Facility Platform 27
Figure 14 Offshore docks / Loading Islands 27
Figure 15 Typical underwater piping 27
Figure 16 Underwater pipe maintenance 27
Figure 17 An example of a Production Platform 28
Figure 18 An example of a Seaplane berth 28
Figure 19 A Seawater Intake / Sewage Outfall 29
Figure 20 A Single Point Mooring buoy 29
Figure 21 A diagram of a Tension Leg Platform 30
Figure 22 Tidal Generators 31
Page 5 of 34
Figure 23 A Tidal Generator Field 31

Figure 24 An example of an underwater obstruction 32
Figure 25 A Water Injection Platform 32
Figure 26 A Wave Generator 33
Figure 27 A Wave Generator Field 33
Figure 28 A Wind Generator 34
Figure 29 An Offshore Wind Farm 34
Page 6 of 34
Recommendation O-139
The Marking of Man-made Offshore Structures
1. INTRODUCTION
There is increasing development of man-made structures at sea, which may affect shipping.
These structures can be isolated or in groups, small or large, and close to or far from shipping
routes.
IALA is monitoring the developments of these structures and will continue to create and update
documentation as required to ensure clear and unambiguous marking of waterways for safe
navigation, protection of the environment and protection of the structures themselves.
Authorities facing problems in this field are invited to bring them to the attention of IALA to
obtain advice on current practice.
The following sections of this Document detail the updated IALA Recommendations for the
marking of each offshore structure type identified in Appendix 1, along with an inventory and
examples of man-made offshore structures.
The marking of offshore structures as defined in these recommendations may be considered as
a minimum requirement to ensure the safety of navigation in the vicinity of the structures,
however, National Authorities may require more stringent marking.
1.1 Scope
These recommendations are for the guidance and information of stakeholders such as National
Authorities, Lighthouse Authorities, Aviation Authorities and other competent Authorities, Aids to
Navigation providers, and the Contractors, Developers and Operators involved in each type of
the structures mentioned in the following sections. They are further called National Authorities in
this Recommendation.
1.2 Field of Application
The guidance contained in this document applies to all structures fixed in position temporarily or
permanently which extend above or below the surface of the sea and which are obstructions to
navigation, e.g. structures used for drilling or exploring for oil and/or minerals, oil production
platforms, oil well protective jackets, renewable offshore energy installations, ocean data
platforms or offshore aquaculture farms.
1.3 Information and promulgation
National Authorities must ensure that all stakeholders are informed of installed Aids to
Navigation (AtoN) and markings in accordance with these Recommendations. These are
published in nautical charts and publications and by promulgation of Maritime Safety
Information (MSI).
1.4 Emergency provisions and contingency plans
a. In case of main power failure, an adequate backup system is recommended to
maintain the function and availability of AtoN, including Racon and AIS, for time
specified by the National Authority; typically 96 hours.
b. AtoN and AtoN systems should have availability in accordance with IALA
Recommendation O-130 on Categorisation and Availability Objectives for Short Range
AtoN and Guideline 1035 on Availability and Reliability of AtoN.
c. Remote monitoring of the AtoN system is recommended.
d. National Authorities are responsible for providing Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
when an operator reports any AtoN malfunction.
Page 7 of 34
e. Operators of offshore structures are recommended to develop contingency and

emergency response plans which address the possibility of individual devices
breaking loose and becoming floating hazards.
f. Operators are recommended to have a reliable maintenance and AtoN defect
response regime in place to ensure the required availability targets are met. This will
include having the necessary AtoN spares on hand, with provision made at the design
stage, where necessary, to ensure safe access.
2. MARKING OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES
Man Made Offshore structures present very different characteristics. Therefore, these
structures have been grouped as follows:
• Section 2.1: Offshore Structures in General
• Section 2.2: Oil and Gas Platforms
• Section 2.3: Offshore Wind Farms
• Section 2.4: Wave and Tidal Energy Devices
• Section 2.5: Aquaculture Farms
2.1 MARKING OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES / PLATFORMS IN GENERAL

2.1.1 General
The marking requirements defined in this section must be complemented with those in sections
2.2 to 2.5 for the specific types of offshore structures / platforms.
Consultation between the stakeholders should take place at an early stage. In general,
development of all structures mentioned in this section must not prejudice the safe use of Traffic
Separation Schemes, Inshore Traffic Zones, recognised sea-lanes and safe access to
anchorages, harbours and places of refuge.
On a case-by-case basis, National Authorities may consider establishing Exclusion or Safety
Zones and Areas to be Avoided in order to prohibit or restrict vessels from entering areas of
Offshore Structures in general. Such information must be identified on the nautical charts and
publications and promulgated through Maritime Safety Information (MSI).
The National Authority shall bear in mind that the marking recommendations herein may be
adjusted based on risk assessments that consider traffic density, proximity to ports, proximity to
dangers, tidal considerations and other factors.
In order to avoid confusion from a high-density of AtoN (and other general lighting), it is
recommended that full consideration be given to the use of synchronised lights, different light
characters and varied light ranges.
There has been some evidence that sea-bed scouring at the bases of offshore renewable
energy installations in areas of strong tides or currents has resulted in significant deposits of
material in other locations. National Authorities may consider fitting depth-monitoring devices to
such installations to measure scour. This may need to be considered when approving wave
and tidal energy extraction proposals / locations.
Power cables between offshore energy devices and the Offshore Sub Station, and between the
Offshore Sub Station and the shore should be sufficiently trenched to avoid exposure from
scouring / sand migration or trawling activities. Where burial depth is not achieved additional
marking requirements are recommended.
Page 8 of 34
2.1.2 Marking
The general rules for the marking of Offshore Structures are as follows:
1 It is recommended that the lights:
a Are located not less than 6 metres and not more than 30 metres above Highest
Astronomical Tide (HAT);
b Have a minimum nominal range of 10 Nautical Miles, taking background lighting into
account;
c Are synchronized with a flash character according to Mo (U) W ≤15s;
d Have a vertical divergence of the projected beam such that the light will be visible
from the immediate vicinity of the structure to the maximum luminous range of the
light.
2 If implemented, it is recommended that fog signals:
a Are located not less than 6 metres and not more than 30 metres above HAT;
b Have a minimum range of 2 Nautical miles;
c Have the character Mo (U) 30s with a minimum duration for the short blast of 0.75
seconds;
d Are operated when the meteorological visibility is 2 Nautical miles or less - a Visibility
Detector will typically be used.
3 Where there is a requirement to identify a particular structure, a radar beacon (Racon)
may be fitted. The character and code length shall be determined by the National
Authority.
4 The National Authority may consider that a group of structures located close together can
be marked as one single platform or structure.
5 The National Authority may consider that buoys or beacons are placed to mark the
perimeter of a group of structures, to mark channels through a group of structures, or to
mark any fixed structure while being erected or dismantled. The characteristics of such
marks shall be determined by the National Authority in accordance with the IALA Maritime
Buoyage System (MBS).
6 Where underwater obstructions, such as submerged wells or pipelines, are considered to
be a hazard to surface borne vessels, it is recommended that they are adequately marked
in accordance with the MBS.
7 The Hydrographic Office must be informed of the marking, location and extent of any
offshore structure, to permit the appropriate charting.
8 Notices to Mariners must be issued to publicise the establishment of an offshore
structure(s) / field. The Notice to Mariners has to include the marking, location and extent
of such structure(s) / fields.
9 The National Authority should be satisfied that the selected lighting has a suitable Nominal
Range and sufficient autonomy with the ability to over-winter – especially in higher
latitudes.
10 The air navigation authorities may require additional marking of the structure(s).
Page 9 of 34
The table below lists the marking recommendations and considerations for offshore structures:
* = RECOMMENDED
Radar Beacon
Lights (yellow)
Lights (yellow)
Floating AtoN
Lights (white)
+ = TO BE CONSIDERED
Intermediate
Fog Signal
Lights (red)
Subsidiary
AIS AtoN
Offshore Oil or Gas Platform –
Temporary or Fixed * * + + + +
Floating Production Storage
Offloading * + + + +
Floating Petrochemical Offloading
Points / Single Point Mooring * + + + +
Aquaculture
* + + *
Meteorological Mast
* + + + +
Minimum Facility Platform
* + + + + +
Offshore Docks / Loading Islands
* * + + + +
Underwater Pipes, Underwater
Manifolds + +
Isolated Tidal / Wave Generator
* + + + + +
Tidal/Wave Generator Field
* + + + *
Offshore Wind Farm
* + + + + +
Isolated WTG
* + + + +
OWF Transformer / Sub-Station
* + + + +
2.1.3 Considerations during construction and decommissioning
It is essential to consider the marking of offshore structures during the different phases of their
existence, i.e. construction, operation and decommissioning, when the structure may be a
hazard to navigation.
During the construction and decommissioning of Offshore Structures, it is recommended that
working areas are established and marked as appropriate. National Authorities shall also
consider the use of guard ships and / or temporary VTS in areas of high traffic density.
MSI must be promulgated in advance of and during any offshore structure / field construction or
decommissioning.
When decommissioning such devices, it is recommended that the National Authority ensures
that the operator / contractor remove all obstructions, so that the seabed is verified as being
returned to its original depth and topography.
In the event that an obstruction remains which constitutes a danger to navigation, then it is
recommended to mark the location based on risk assessment.
Page 10 of 34
IALA Re
ecommenda ation O-139 – The Markin
ng of Man-ma ade Offshoree Structures
Edition 1: Decembeer 2008 - Ediition 2: December 2013
2.2 M
MARKING OF
O OIL AND
D GAS PLA
ATFORMS
This secction supple
ements the general rulles for mark
king defined
d in section 2.1 and must be read
d
unction with it.
in conju
The Offfshore Strucctures menttioned in thi s section arre recomme ended to bee marked ass a single
unit, a b d, as appropriate, as fo
block or field ollows:
1 An ny structuree shall be marked at night by on ne or more white lightts so consttructed andd
fixxed as to ennsure that at
a least one light is visible upon ap
pproaching the structurre from anyy
direction. Min nimum nom minal range iis to be 10 Nautical
N miles.
2 Suubsidiary reed flashing lights shall also be pro
ovided and show
s the saame characcteristics ass
th
he main whiite lights, i.e
e. synchron nized Mo (UU) R ≤15s. These are to be locatted to markk
th
he horizonta al extremitie
es of the sstructure, ex
xcepting tho
ose markedd with white e lights, ass
well as intercconnecting bridges.
b Miinimum nom minal range is to be 3 N
Nautical miles.
3 Eaach structu ure, where practicablee, displays identification panels with black k letters orr
nu
umbers 1 metre
m o a yellow background
high on d visible in all
a directionns. These panels
p shalll
be
e easily visible in daylight as welll as at nigh
ht, either by using apprropriate illumination orr
re
etro-reflectin
ng material.
2.3 M
MARKING OF
O OFFSHO
ORE WINDF
FARMS
This secction supple
ements the general rulles for mark
king defined
d in section 2.1 and must be read
d
unction with it.
in conju
When mmentioning Offshore
O Wind
W Farms ((OWF), the following are includedd: Meteorolo
ogical Mast,,
Wind Tu
urbine Geneerator (WTG
G) and Offsshore Transformer / Sub-Station.
It is reccommended d that eachh structure, where praacticable, displays ide ntification panels
p with
h
black leetters or num
mbers 1 m high
h on a yeellow backg
ground visib
ble in all direections. Th
hese panelss
shall be e easily vissible in day
ylight as wwell as at night,
n either by using illuminatio on or retro--
reflectin
ng material.
Page 11 of
o 34
The structures should be painted yellow all around from the level of HAT up to 15 metres. On a
case-by-case assessment alternative marking, where applicable, may include horizontal yellow
bands of not less than 2 metres in height and separation. The addition of retro-reflective
material may be considered (see figure 1).
When using working lights, such as down lighting on ladders and access platforms, they must
not reduce the conspicuity of marking lights.
National Authorities should consider that:
a OWF structures may affect shipborne and shore based radar systems, which in some
cases through inherent system limitations, cause interference strong enough to
produce significant degradation of the radar display;
b Passage close to an OWF boundary, or within the OWF itself, could affect vessels’
capability to manoeuvre;
c The safety of navigation shall be ensured when approving an OWF;
d Marking lights should be visible from all directions in the horizontal plane.
Consideration may also be given to the provision of fog signals where appropriate, taking into
account the prevailing visibility, topography and vessel traffic conditions. The range of such a
fog signal should not be less than two 2 Nautical miles.
2.3.1 Marking of Isolated WTG, Meteorological Masts and other Individual Structures
It is recommended that these structures:
a. Are marked with a white light flashing Mo (U) W ≤15s, and with a nominal range of 10
Nautical miles;
b. Have AtoN mounted below the lowest point of the arc of the rotor blades. They shall be
located at a height of at least 6 metres above HAT;
c. Have AtoN that comply with IALA Recommendations and have an availability of not less
than 99.0% (IALA Category 2).
Page 12 of 34
IALA Re
Figure 1 Sample m
marking of an
a individua
al wind turbiine
2.3.2 Marking of Floating Wiind Turbine Structures
Due to tthe specificc movementt of the floatting wind structures, it is recommeended that:
a National Authorities
s take into a
account the
e interaction
n between aaviation ligh
hts and the
e
shipping in the area
a;
b The marine lights should havve a larger vertical divergence
d compared to a fixed
d
structure o maximize visibility at range to the mariner ((e.g. 30º at 50%).
e, in order to
2.3.3 Marking of Group of Sttructures (O

Offshore Wind Farms)
A Signifficant Peripheral Structture (SPS) is the ‘corner’ or other significant point on the peripheryy
of the O
OWF. It is re
ecommende ed that:
a These lights displaay a Specia
al Mark cha
aracteristic, flashing yyellow, with a nominall
range off 5 Nautical miles;
b The Natiional Authority may con
nsider the synchronisa
s ation of all S
SPS;
c In the case
c of a la
arge or exxtended OW
WF, the dis
stance betw
ween SPS should nott
normallyy exceed 3 Nautical
N milles.
ommended that Interm
It is reco mediate Per ipheral Stru
uctures (IPS
S) selected on the periphery of an
n
OWF:
a Are markked with flashing yellow
w lights;
b The flash ghts shall be distinctly different froom those diisplayed on
h characterr of these lig n
minal range of 2 Nautic
the SPS, with a nom cal miles;
c Have a lateral disttance betw een IPS or the neare
est SPS whhich will no
ot normallyy
exceed 2 Nautical Miles.
M
Page 13 of
o 34
SPS - lights visible from all directions in the horizontal plane. It is recommended to
SPS
synchronize these lights in order to display a Special Mark characteristic, flashing
yellow, with a range of not less than 5 Nautical miles
Intermediate structures on the periphery of an OWF other than the SPS - marked
IPS
with flashing yellow lights which are visible to the mariner from all directions in the
horizontal plane with a flash character distinctly different from those displayed on the
SPS and with a range of not less than 2 Nautical miles
SPS SPS
< 2 nm
SPS
IPS
< 3 nm
SPS
IPS
SPS
Figure 2 Sample marking of an OWF

Depending on the marking, lighting and lateral separation of the peripheral structures, the
additional marking of the individual structures in general within an OWF may be considered as
follows:
• Lighting or marking of each structure;
• Unlit individual structures can be made more conspicuous with retro-reflective areas;
• Use of flashing yellow lights with a nominal range of 2 Nautical Miles;
• Racons;
• AIS AtoN.
An Offshore Transformer / Sub-Station or a Meteorological Mast, if considered to be a
composite part of the OWF, shall be included as part of the overall OWF marking. If not
considered to be within the OWF block it shall be marked as an isolated offshore structure (see
2.3.1).
2.4 MARKING OF OFFSHORE WAVE AND TIDAL ENERGY DEVICES
This section supplements the general rules for marking defined in section 2.1 and must be read
in conjunction with it.
Wave and Tidal Energy Devices include: Tidal Generator, Tidal Generator field, Wave
Generator, Wave Generator field as defined in Appendix 1.
Page 14 of 34
It must be borne in mind that many wave and tidal devices are low freeboard floating structures
moored to the seabed. They may be moored in deep or shallow water and some may be
located on the seabed or just below the surface. Surface piercing and subsurface elements
may extend laterally beyond the surface elements. This could include shared moorings and
mid-water connections between units that may also carry electricity, control signals, hydraulics
or pneumatics associated with the units.
When identifying the marking requirements, it must be taken into consideration that some tidal
devices:
a. Have fast-moving sub-surface elements such as whirling blades;
b. Do not allow for safe under keel clearance (UKC).
The level of marking should be decided after a risk assessment has been conducted.
2.4.1 2.4.1 Marking
Wave and Tidal energy extraction devices should be marked as a single unit or as a block or
field as follows:
1 When structures are fixed to the seabed or in the water column and extend above the
surface, they shall be marked in accordance with the guidance contained in Section 2.3.
2 It is recommended that:
a Subject to the proper risk assessment, areas containing on surface or sub-surface
wave or tidal devices are marked by appropriate AtoN. In addition, radar reflectors,
retro-reflecting material, Racons and / or AIS transponders should be considered
where the level of traffic and degree of risk requires;
b The lit AtoN must be visible to the mariner from all relevant directions in the horizontal
plane, by day and by night;
c To improve the effectiveness of the lighting and taking into account background
lighting, synchronisation can be used;
d Taking the results of a risk assessment into account, lights must have an appropriate
nominal range and vertical divergence;
e Individual wave and tidal energy devices within a site that extend above the surface
are painted yellow above the waterline. If navigation is permitted within the site,
marking of individual devices may be required;
f If marked, the individual devices should have flashing yellow lights. The flash
character of such lights must be sufficiently different from those displayed on the
boundary lights with a nominal range of not less than 2 Nautical miles;
g Floating AtoN should be located outside the moorings of the floating structures.
3 Based on risk assessment, a single wave or tidal energy extraction structure, standing
alone, may be marked as follows:
• An Isolated Danger Mark.
• Special Mark.
4 Specific guidance to small craft needs early consideration.
5 The AtoN described herein should comply with IALA Recommendations and have an
appropriate availability, normally not less than 99.0% (IALA Category 2).
6 Recommended principles for marking of area for wave energy devices are referred to in
the figure below. The National Authority may consider the distances between lit and unlit
special marks on a case by case basis and on a risk assessment.
Page 15 of 34
Figure 3 Marking of Wave and tidal devices

2.5 MARKING OF OFFSHORE AQUACULTURE FARMS
This section supplements the general rules for marking defined in section 2.1 and must be read
in conjunction with it.
The farm, or group of farms, should be marked depending on their size, extent and location. In
some cases it may be sufficient to mark only part of the perimeter, or the centre. The use of
Racons or AIS AtoN may also be considered.
Recommended principles for marking of area aquaculture farms are referred to in the table
below. National Authority may consider the distances between lit and unlit special marks on a
case by case basis and on a risk assessment.
It should be borne in mind that many aquaculture farms are low freeboard floating structures
that are moored to the seabed. They may be moored in deep or shallow water and some may
be located on the seabed or just below the surface. Surface piercing and subsurface elements
may extend laterally beyond the surface elements. This could include shared moorings and
mid-water connections between units that may also carry electricity, control signals, hydraulics
or pneumatics associated with the units.
The National Authority should bear in mind that the marking recommendations herein may be
adjusted in consideration of traffic density, proximity to ports, proximity to dangers, tidal
considerations and other factors.
It is recommended to mark offshore aquaculture farms as follows:

1. Aquaculture farms are normally marked by Special Marks;
2. If there is a requirement for vessel traffic between aquaculture farms, then such
channels are normally marked by Lateral Marks;
3. If the prevailing situation warrants, Cardinal Marking alone may be used to direct vessel
traffic away from the aquaculture farm(s);
4. It is recommended that areas of aquaculture farms are marked by appropriate AtoN. In
addition radar reflectors, retro reflecting material, Racons and AIS AtoN may be
considered;
Page 16 of 34
5. To improve the effectiveness of marking and taking into account background lighting,
synchronisation of the lights is recommended. Taking the results of a risk assessment
into account, lights must have an appropriate nominal range;
6. Specific guidance to small craft needs early consideration;
7. The AtoN described herein should comply with IALA Recommendations and have an
appropriate availability, normally not less than 99.0% (IALA Category 2).
2.5.1 Marking Examples
Examples can be found in the following tables and figures that illustrate the minimum
recommended marking arrangement with Special Marks.
• It is recommended that Rectangular Aquaculture Farms are marked according to the

length of their sides.
Example X Axis Y Axis Area (m²) Minimum Marking Requirements

(m) (m)
A ≤ 500 ≤ 500 One light in centre of farm (consider
radar reflector)
B ≤ 2 500 ≤ 500 One light on each sea corner; one
daymark on each coast corner
(consider radar reflector)
C ≤ 500 ≤ 2 500 One light on one sea corner; one
light on the diagonally opposite
coast corner; one daymark on one
sea corner and one daymark on the
diagonally opposite corner (consider
radar reflector)
D > 500 ≤ 2 500 ≤ 1 250 000 One light on diagonally opposite
corners; daymark on diagonally
opposite corners (consider radar
reflector)
E > 900 ≤ 2 500 > 1 250 000 One light on each corner (consider
radar reflector)
Page 17 of 34
IALA Re
Special Mark LIT (Fl Y 3s 5NM) syn

nchronized
Area
A borders
rs
Spec
cial Mark UN
NLIT Safety
S bordeers
shore
A B
≤ 500 ≤ 500
≤ 2500
≤ 500 m sea
shore
C sho
ore D
> 500
≤ 2500
≤ 2500 sea
E shore
> 900
≤ 500
5 m
≤ 2500
sea sea
Figurre 4 A. R
Rectangularr Aquaculturre Farms
Page 18 of
o 34
• Circular Aquaculture Farms should be marked according to their diameter.
Example Diameter Diameter Minimum Marking Requirements

(m) (m)
F ≤ 500 One light in centre of farm (consider radar
reflector)
G > 500 ≤ 1000 Two lights 180° apart on the circumference;
two daymarks positioned 90° to the lights
H > 1000 ≤ 2000 Three lights 120° apart on the circumference
I > 2000 Three lights 120° apart on the
circumference, three daymarks positions 60°
to the lights (consider radar reflector)
Figure 4 B. Circular Aquaculture Farms
3. FUTURE REQUIREMENTS
IALA is aware that there is an increasing quantity of energy devices and structures already in
place and many more planned that may affect shipping.
It is therefore recommended that National Authorities continuously monitor developments to
ensure that any navigational problems caused by offshore structures are solved in a satisfactory
manner.
Page 19 of 34
4. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
National Authority - the competent Authority for determining the marking of offshore structures.
Energy Extraction Device (EED) - a wave or tidal generator.
Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) - is the highest level that can be expected to occur under
average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical conditions. HAT
is not an extreme level, as certain meteorological conditions can cause a higher water level.
Nautical mile – 1852m.
Significant Peripheral Structure (SPS) – the corner wind generator on a rectangular OWF or
other significant point on the periphery of an OWF.
Transformer Station (hub) – a special structure within or outside the wave and/or tidal energy
extraction field and/or OWF to which the individual generators are connected via a power cable.
Power is transferred ashore from the transformer station by submarine cable. A ‘hub’ may be a
separate fixed or floating platform, a unit very similar to the generators but carrying additional
power conversion equipment.
Usual Range – the usual range of the fog signal shall be calculated in accordance with IALA
Recommendation E-109, on the calculation of the range of a sound signal.
Subsidiary Light – additional red light(s) located on offshore platform(s) used to mark the
extremities of extensive installations and their interconnecting bridges.
Promulgation – to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into
operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.).
AIS Automatic Identification System

AIS AtoN AIS as an Aid to Navigation
AtoN Aid(s) to Navigation
CALM Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring
cd Candela
FPSO Floating Production Storage Offloading
HAT Highest Astronomical Tide
IPS Intermediate Peripheral Structure [OWF]
MBS IALA Maritime Buoyage System
MER Minimum Effective Range
MFP Minimum Facilities Platform
MHWS Mean High Water Springs
MSI Maritime Safety Information (e.g. NAVTEX, Notices to Mariners)
OREI Offshore Renewable Energy Installation
OWF Offshore Wind Farm(s)
SOLAS Safety of Life At Sea [convention].
SPM Single Point Mooring
SPS Significant Peripheral Structure [OWF]
UKC Under Keel Clearance
WTG Wind Turbine Generator
Page 20 of 34
APPENDIX 1 INVENTORY OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

This Appendix states definitions and gives examples of current offshore structures (in
alphabetical order).
1. AQUACULTURE FARMS
Figure 5 A fish farm

Aquaculture is the cultivation of fresh-water and marine species, including fish, molluscs,
crustaceans and aquatic plants. Unlike fishing, aquaculture, also known as aquafarming,
implies the cultivation of aquatic populations under controlled conditions.
Particular kinds of aquaculture include algaculture (the production of kelp/seaweed and other
algae); fish farming; shrimp farming, shellfish farming, and the growing of cultured pearls.
The worldwide practice of aquaculture ranges from low-technology extensive methods to highly
intensive systems.
Aquaculture farms take on a variety of forms including huge tanks, freshwater ponds, and
shallow- or deep-water marine environments. This document relates to farms in marine
environments.
Page 21 of 34
IALA Re
2. A
ARTICULA
ATED LOA
ADING PL
LATFORM (ALP) (OIL & GAS P
PERMANE
ENT
INSTALLA
ATIONS)
Figure
e6 A dia
agram of an Articulated
d Platform
An ALP P is a metal lattice tow
wer, buoyan
nt at one en
nd and attaached at thee other by a universall
joint to a concrete
e filled basee on the se
ea bed. The platform m may be ffitted with a helicopterr
platform
m, emergenccy accommodation and d hawser/hoose retrieva
al.
Page 22 of
o 34
IALA Re
3. C
CALM (OIL & GAS PERMANE
P ENT INSTA
ALLATION
NS - LOAD
DING / DIS
SCHARGE
BUOYS)
Figure
e7 A Cattenary Anch
hor Leg Moo
oring buoy
CALM ssystems, arre named so
o for the ch
haracteristic
c curve of th
he anchor leegs that hold the buoyy
in position. These
e buoys are
e also oftenn referred to
t as a single buoy m mooring, mo onobuoy orr
loading buoy.
CALM b buoys can be designe
ed to berth any size ta
anker up to and includ ing Ultra La
arge Crude
e
Carrierss (ULCCs).
The ma
ain applicatio
ons of a CA
ALM system
m are:
• Short term
t moorin ng: for imp port and exxport of fluid
ds betweenn onshore or offshore e
facilities and a tanker;
• Perman nent moorinng: for produ uction and storage sysstems;
• Semi-p permanent mooring: p ermanent mooringm with easy dissconnect capability to
o
evacua ate the facility in case o
of severe weeather condditions.
Page 23 of
o 34
4. FLOATING PRODUCTION STORAGE OFFLOADER (FPSOS) (LOADING /

DISCHARGE BUOYS)
Figure 8 A Floating Production Storage Offloader

These are vessels which are usually self-powered and make their own way from the builder
yard to the oil fields where they are permanently anchored, and act as floating tanks.
They may be purpose built or can be ships (VLCC, for example) that have passed their active
trading life and were refitted into a FPSO.
5. FLOATING WIND TURBINE
Figure 9 A floating wind turbine
Page 24 of 34
A wind turbine that is moored to the seabed.
6. FLOTEL (OIL & GAS TEMPORARY STRUCTURES)
Figure 10 An example of a Flotel

This type of structure is a platform that is used as an R&R (rest and recuperation) location for
workers; it is not an active rig.
7. LNG OFFLOADING POINTS
Figure 11 An LNG Offloading Point
Page 25 of 34
These Offloading Points, which are used for loading / unloading LNG, are linked or fixed to the
seabed and include many types of transference structures.
8. METEOROLOGICAL MASTS
Figure 12 Meteorological Masts

Any individual surface structure, usually consisting of an embedded mast or tower with
meteorological measuring instruments.
9. MINIMUM FACILITY PLATFORM (MFP)
Page 26 of 34
IALA Re
Figure 13
3 An exam
mple of a Miinimum Fac
cility Platform
m
These a are unmann ned platform
ms for a varriety of purp
poses, such
h as pipelinee booster stations
s and
d
transforrmer station
ns.
10. O
OFFSHOR
RE DOCKS
S / LOADIN
NG ISLAN
NDS
Figu
ure 14 Offs
fshore docks
s / Loading Islands
Floating
g structuress of various types and ssizes, moorred to the seabed
s and used for berthing and
d
loading / unloadingg cargo.
11. PIPES
Underwwater or sub
bsea pipes are used worldwide. They are e usually m
made of ste
eel, have a
e coating, and depen
concrete nding on th
he conditio
ons, can be
e placed bby barges with diverss
assistan
nce.
Figure 15 Typical underwaterr piping Figure 16 Underwatter pipe

mainten
nance
Page 27 of
o 34
12. PRODUCTION PLATFORM / DRILLING RIGS
Figure 17 An example of a Production Platform

Production Platforms or Drilling Rigs are large structures used to house workers and machinery
needed to drill and/or extract oil and natural gas through wells in the ocean bed. The platform
may be attached to the ocean floor, consist of an artificial island, or be floating.
Many platforms also have remote wellheads attached by umbilical connections, these may be
single wells or a manifold centre for multiple wells.
13. SEAPLANE BERTH
Figure 18 An example of a Seaplane berth

A Seaplane is a fixed-wing aircraft designed to take off and land on water. A seaplane berth is
a structure that has berthing facilities for these kind of planes, which are generally used for
connecting islands to the mainland.
Page 28 of 34
14. SEAWATER INTAKES / SEWAGE OUTFALLS
Figure 19 A Seawater Intake / Sewage Outfall

A seawater supply system can be found in many projects, and it includes Seawater Intakes and
a discharge system. An outlet to a drainage network or a wastewater treatment is the Sewage
Outfall.
15. SINGLE POINT MOORING (SPM) (LOADING / DISCHARGE BUOYS)
Figure 20 A Single Point Mooring buoy

Loading Buoys are anchored offshore and serve as a mooring point for tankers to (off)load gas
or fluid products. They are the link between the geostatic subsea manifold connections and the
tanker.
The main purpose of the buoy is to transfer fluids between onshore or offshore facilities and the
moored tanker.
These Buoys are generally referred to as Single Point Mooring systems or ‘SPMs’. They are
also often referred to as Single Buoy Moorings or ‘SBMs’.
Page 29 of 34
16. TENSION LEG PLATFORM (TLP) (OIL & GAS PERMANENT

INSTALLATIONS)
Figure 21 A diagram of a Tension Leg Platform

A Tension Leg Platform (TLP) is a buoyant platform held in place by a mooring system. The
TLP’s are similar to conventional fixed platforms except that the platform is maintained on
location through the use of moorings held in tension by the buoyancy of the hull.
The topside facilities (processing facilities, pipelines, and surface trees) of the TLP and most of
the daily operations are the same as for a conventional platform.
Page 30 of 34
17. TIDAL GENERATOR
Figure 22 Tidal Generators

Any individual surface or sub-surface structure incorporating a generator, fixed or moored to the
seabed and connected to an electrical terminal via cable(s).
18. TIDAL GENERATOR FIELD
Figure 23 A Tidal Generator Field

A group of individual tidal generators, which are located in one block and are considered to be a
unit, fixed or moored to the seabed and/or each other and connected to an electrical terminal
via cable(s).
Page 31 of 34
19. UNDERWATER MANIFOLDS / OBSTRUCTIONS
Figure 24 An example of an underwater obstruction

This group of structures comprises manifolds and various types of man-made obstructions
placed on the seabed.
20. WATER INJECTION PLATFORMS OR BOOSTER STATION (WIPS)
Figure 25 A Water Injection Platform

Water injection platforms usually comprise a fixed steel platform, linked to a wellhead platform.
The integrated topside has water injection facilities, water treatment facilities and power
generation. This platform can also lodge a drilling rig.
Page 32 of 34
21. WAVE GENERATOR
Production models will

be coloured yellow, in
accordance with the
Recommendation.
Figure 26 A Wave Generator

Any individual surface or sub-surface structure incorporating a generator, moored to the seabed
and connected to an electrical terminal.
22. WAVE GENERATOR FIELD
Production models will

be coloured yellow, in
accordance with the
Recommendation.
Figure 27 A Wave Generator Field

A group of individual wave generators, which are located in one block and are considered to be
a unit, moored to the seabed and/or each other and connected to electrical hub.
Page 33 of 34
23. WIND GENERATOR
Figure 28 A Wind Generator

Any individual surface structure, usually consisting of an embedded mast or tower with rotating blades
and incorporating a generator.
24. OFFSHORE WIND FARM
Figure 29 An Offshore Wind Farm

A group of individual wind generators, which are located in one block and are considered to be
a unit.
Page 34 of 34

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International Association of Marine Aids to

IALA Recommendation O-139

10, rue des Gaudines

Date Page / Section Revised Requirement for Revision

Recommendation on The Marking of Man-Made Offshore Structures 3

APPENDIX 1 INVENTORY OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES 21

9. MINIMUM FACILITY PLATFORM (MFP) 26

Figure 23 A Tidal Generator Field 31

e. Operators of offshore structures are recommended to develop contingency and

2. MARKING OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

2.1 MARKING OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES / PLATFORMS IN GENERAL

2.3.3 Marking of Group of Sttructures (O

Figure 2 Sample marking of an OWF

Figure 3 Marking of Wave and tidal devices

It is recommended to mark offshore aquaculture farms as follows:

• It is recommended that Rectangular Aquaculture Farms are marked according to the

Example X Axis Y Axis Area (m²) Minimum Marking Requirements

Special Mark LIT (Fl Y 3s 5NM) syn

• Circular Aquaculture Farms should be marked according to their diameter.

Example Diameter Diameter Minimum Marking Requirements

Figure 4 B. Circular Aquaculture Farms

4. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

AIS Automatic Identification System

APPENDIX 1 INVENTORY OF OFFSHORE STRUCTURES

Figure 5 A fish farm

4. FLOATING PRODUCTION STORAGE OFFLOADER (FPSOS) (LOADING /

Figure 8 A Floating Production Storage Offloader

5. FLOATING WIND TURBINE

Figure 9 A floating wind turbine

A wind turbine that is moored to the seabed.

6. FLOTEL (OIL & GAS TEMPORARY STRUCTURES)

Figure 10 An example of a Flotel

7. LNG OFFLOADING POINTS

Figure 11 An LNG Offloading Point

Figure 12 Meteorological Masts

9. MINIMUM FACILITY PLATFORM (MFP)

Figure 15 Typical underwaterr piping Figure 16 Underwatter pipe

12. PRODUCTION PLATFORM / DRILLING RIGS

Figure 17 An example of a Production Platform

13. SEAPLANE BERTH

Figure 18 An example of a Seaplane berth

14. SEAWATER INTAKES / SEWAGE OUTFALLS

Figure 19 A Seawater Intake / Sewage Outfall

15. SINGLE POINT MOORING (SPM) (LOADING / DISCHARGE BUOYS)

Figure 20 A Single Point Mooring buoy

16. TENSION LEG PLATFORM (TLP) (OIL & GAS PERMANENT

Figure 21 A diagram of a Tension Leg Platform

17. TIDAL GENERATOR

Figure 22 Tidal Generators

18. TIDAL GENERATOR FIELD

Figure 23 A Tidal Generator Field

19. UNDERWATER MANIFOLDS / OBSTRUCTIONS

Figure 24 An example of an underwater obstruction

20. WATER INJECTION PLATFORMS OR BOOSTER STATION (WIPS)

Figure 25 A Water Injection Platform

21. WAVE GENERATOR

Production models will

Figure 26 A Wave Generator

22. WAVE GENERATOR FIELD

Production models will