GB16161-2021
Regulations for the shape of the marks of maritime buoyage system in China
中国海区水上助航标志形状显示规定
GB 16161-2021 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Regulations for the shape of the marks of maritime buoyage system in China. It appears in the Machinery compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Mar 1, 2022.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard specifies the shape display requirements for maritime buoyage marks in China, including conical, cylindrical, spherical, and cross-shaped topmarks. It is applicable to all buoys and fixed marks in water within China's sea areas, ports, and estuaries. It explicitly excludes lightships, large navigational buoys, and ice buoys. Engineers designing or manufacturing maritime aids to navigation must ensure their products comply with these visual shape regulations.
Technical requirements
The standard outlines the geometric and proportional requirements for various buoy shapes. It specifies that the shape characteristics of buoys and fixed marks must be displayed through topmarks, daymarks, or body shapes. These shapes must be identifiable from any horizontal direction, except for the 'x' and '+' shaped topmarks. For conical shapes, the standard defines the proportional relationships between the topmark diameter, height, and support rod dimensions relative to the float body diameter. Similar proportional constraints are established for cylindrical (can) shapes and spherical shapes, ensuring consistent visual identification. Additionally, the standard introduces requirements for the 'x' and '+' shaped topmarks, specifying their square dimensions and diagonal/centerline widths. It also mandates that the hollow area of topmarks and daymarks must not exceed one-third of the total area and must be evenly distributed. The standard references GB 4696 for general buoyage system rules and GB 17381 for surface color specifications.
Testing methods
The standard primarily involves visual and dimensional verification rather than complex laboratory testing. Compliance is assessed by measuring the geometric proportions of the topmarks, daymarks, and buoy bodies against the specified ratios relative to the float body diameter. Engineers must verify that the physical dimensions and visual profiles meet the defined geometric criteria for each shape type. The assessment also includes checking the uniformity and area ratio of any hollow sections in the marks.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 16161-2021?
GB 16161-2021 regulates the shape display of maritime buoyage marks, including all buoys and fixed marks in water within China's sea areas, ports, and estuaries. It excludes lightships, large navigational buoys, and ice buoys.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 16161?
Yes, GB 16161-2021 replaces GB 16161-1996. Key updates include adding general provisions for shape characteristics and surface colors, modifying the shape display features for conical and can topmarks, adding descriptions and illustrations for various buoy body shapes, and introducing requirements for '+' shaped topmarks.
Does GB 16161-2021 reference any other standards?
Yes, the standard references GB 4696 for the general rules of the maritime buoyage system in China and GB 17381 for the specifications of surface colors for visual aids to navigation.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 16161-2021. To ensure complete compliance for your maritime buoyage products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 16161-2021 today to access all detailed parameters, proportional tables, and illustrative figures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- R 63
- ICS
- 03.220.40
- Competent department
- Ministry of Transport
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Transport
Relationships
Replaces:GB 16161-1996