GB4696-2016
Maritime buoyage system, China
中国海区水上助航标志
GB 4696-2016 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Maritime buoyage system, China. It appears in the Machinery compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Jul 1, 2017.
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 applies to the design, setting, and usage of maritime buoys and offshore fixed marks with equivalent functions operating in China's sea areas, ports, and estuaries. It is intended for use by various departments, including transportation, fishery, scientific research, petroleum exploration, and military operations. This standard does not apply to lighthouses, sector light beacons, leading beacons, light vessels, and large navigational buoys.
Technical requirements
GB 4696-2016 is a mandatory standard that comprehensively regulates the visual and physical characteristics of maritime aids to navigation in China. It categorizes marks into five main types: lateral marks, cardinal marks, isolated danger marks, safe water marks, and special marks. The standard specifies the required shape, color, topmark, and light characteristics for each category to ensure unambiguous identification. For instance, lateral marks indicate the port and starboard sides of a channel based on the conventional direction of buoyage, utilizing specific color codes (red and green) and flashing rhythms. Manufacturers and maritime authorities must strictly adhere to these visual parameters to prevent navigational confusion. Additionally, the standard details the marking of new dangers, including the use of emergency wreck marking buoys and virtual/real AIS AtoN (Automatic Identification System Aids to Navigation). It also specifies that special marks must display distinct symbols and yellow lights corresponding to their specific purpose, such as anchorage or marine operations.
Testing methods
The standard outlines evaluation procedures primarily based on visual and physical inspection rather than complex laboratory testing. Key assessment methods include verifying the surface color application against the specified banding and striping rules, and confirming the light rhythm (flash characteristics and periods) matches the designated tables. Furthermore, it requires the validation of topmark shapes and the correct display of identification numbers. Compliance verification ensures that the marks are recognizable from any horizontal direction on the water.
FAQs
What products and structures are regulated under GB 4696-2016?
The standard applies to maritime buoys and offshore fixed marks used by various departments, including transportation, fishery, scientific research, and military, within China's sea areas, ports, and estuaries. It does not apply to lighthouses, light vessels, or large navigational buoys.
Are there any significant updates in GB 4696-2016 compared to the 1999 version?
The updated version introduces requirements for new types of special marks, the emergency wreck marking buoy, conditions for using synchronized or sequential flashing, and the display characteristics of AIS AtoN. It also specifies requirements when fixed marks are used to replace buoy functions.
How does GB 4696-2016 differ from international IALA standards?
GB 4696-2016 is the specific national standard for China's maritime buoyage system. It shares similarities with the IALA system but includes unique national features, such as specific Morse code light rhythms for various special marks (e.g., anchorages, prohibited areas) and the dedicated emergency wreck marking buoy.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 4696-2016. To ensure complete compliance for your maritime equipment or operations in Chinese waters, a precise and professional English translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 4696-2016 today to access all detailed parameter tables, lighting rhythms, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- R63
- ICS
- 03.220.40
- Competent department
- Ministry of Transport
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Transport
Relationships
Replaces:GB 4696-1999