The system in operation in most countries is known as the IALA System A . It is called System A to distinguish it from the IALA System B, which contains some differences designed to cater for paticular difficulties in some ports. A mark can be a floating buoy, a beacon or light mounted on the shore, or a pole stuck into the harbour bottom with some identifying shape on top of it. There is no subsitute for knowing where you are. As with any other skill, some reference material is required to provide you with the information necessary for you to work effectively.
Charts are the most important of all navigation aids.
They should not be confused with waterways maps which, although very useful for short trips in confined waters, do not have the accuracy or the wealth of information charts provide. Charts not only give the information necessary to navigate safely from one point to another by avoiding hazards, they are also used to record the boat's position and to find the direction to steer so as to arrive at the desired destination. Basic Navigation Tools Navigation also relies on having some basic tools, some hardware, to use in conjunction with reference material such as charts. Pencil - preferably a soft lead. Eraser - you can carry it in your pocket.