Jersey's navigational buoys inspected and swapped

The East Rock buoy onboard the Bommel tugboat. Seaweed is covering the bottom of the large green buoy. Two workers dressed in orange are watching as a workman, dressed in navy, inspects the buoy's chain. Image source, Ports of Jersey
Image caption,

The marine operations team replaced the East Rock buoy with the help of the 'Bommel' tugboat crew

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Navigational buoys in Jersey waters are being inspected and swapped, Ports of Jersey said.

It said some of its 26 navigational buoys were more than 50 years old.

Ports said its buoys were swapped out by the marine operations team every four years with chains and blocks "lifted and inspected" every two years.

It said the crew of the Bommel tugboat has been assisting with harbour maintenance and buoy replacements when conditions allow.

A Ports spokesperson said navigation buoys and markers warn boats of "underlying dangers in the water" and indicate safe routes.

"They are an effective navigation aid in directing the boat operator on the best route to use," they said.

"Buoys, lights, and marks perform the same navigation function as traffic lights and road signs for car drivers."