IALA MODEL COURSE

L2.1.8
AIDS TO NAVIGATION – TECHNICIAN
TRAINING
MODULE 1 ELEMENT 8
LEVEL 2 - BUOY CLEANING

Edition 2.0
June 2016
DOCUMENT REVISION
Revisions to this IALA Document are to be noted in the table prior to the issue of a revised document.

Date Page / Section Revised Requirement for Revision

June 2016 Entire document Minor textual changes

IALA Model Course L2.1.8 – Level 2 - Buoy Cleaning

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CONTENTS
PART 1 - COURSE OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 5
1. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................... 5
2. OBJECTIVE ......................................................................................................................................... 5
3. COURSE OUTLINE ............................................................................................................................... 5
4. TEACHING MODULES ......................................................................................................................... 5
5. SPECIFIC COURSE RELATED TEACHING AIDS ........................................................................................ 6
6. ACRONYMS ....................................................................................................................................... 6
7. DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 6
8. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 6
PART 2 – TEACHING MODULES .................................................................................................................. 7
1. BUOY CLEANING EQUPMENT ............................................................................................................. 7
1.1. Module 1 – Buoy cleaning equipment ..................................................................................................... 7
1.1.1. Scope .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.2. Learning objective ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.3. Syllabus ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2. Module 2 – Planning for buoy cleaning ................................................................................................... 7
1.2.1. Scope .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.2. Learning Objective ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.3. Syllabus ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3. Module 3 – Cleaning different types of buoys ........................................................................................ 8
1.3.1. Scope .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2. Learning Objective ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.3. Syllabus ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4. Module 4 – Cleaning the Buoy................................................................................................................. 8
1.4.1. Scope .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4.2. Learning Objective ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.4.3. Syllabus ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.5. Module 5 – Site visit - attending a buoy cleaning operation ................................................................... 9
1.5.1. Scope .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.5.2. Learning Objective ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9

List of Tables
Table 1 Table of teaching modules ............................................................................................................ 5

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 FOREWORD

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) recognises that
training in all aspects of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) service delivery, from inception through installation and
maintenance to replacement or removal at the end of a planned life-cycle, is critical to the consistent provision of
that AtoN service.
Taking into account that under the SOLAS Convention, Chapter 5, Regulation 13, paragraph 2; Contracting
Governments, mindful of their obligations published by the International Maritime Organisation, undertake to
consider the international recommendations and guidelines when establishing aids to navigation, including
recommendations on training and qualification of AtoN technicians, IALA has adopted Recommendation E-141 on
Standards for Training and Certification of AtoN personnel.
IALA Committees working closely with the IALA World-Wide Academy have developed a series of model courses
for AtoN personnel having E-141 Level 2 technician functions. This model course on buoy cleaning should be read
in conjunction with the Training Overview Document IALA WWA.L2.0 which contains standard guidance for the
conduct of all Level 2 model courses
This model course is intended to provide national members and other appropriate authorities charged with the
provision of AtoN services with specific guidance on the training of AtoN technicians in buoy cleaning. Assistance
in implementing this and other model courses may be obtained from the IALA World-Wide Academy at the
following address:

The Secretary-General
IALA Tel: (+) 33 1 34 51 70 01
10 rue des Gaudines Fax: (+) 33 1 34 51 82 05
78100 Saint Germain-en-Laye e-mail: [email protected]
France Internet: www.iala-aism.org

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 PART 1- COURSE OVERVIEW
1. SCOPE
This course is intended to provide technicians with the practical training necessary to become competent in buoy
cleaning in the field.
Due to the hazardous nature of buoy cleaning, all persons attending buoy cleaning operations should be deemed
by the competent authority to be responsible individuals.

2. OBJECTIVE
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will have acquired sufficient knowledge and skill to clean
buoys afloat within their organisations.

3. COURSE OUTLINE
This course is intended to cover the knowledge and practical competence required for a technician to properly
clean a buoy without any damage or injury to individuals or the buoy being cleaned. The complete course
comprises 5 modules, each of which deals with a specific subject representing an aspect of buoy cleaning. Each
module begins by stating its scope and aims, and then provides a teaching syllabus. This is a practical, job-centred
course designed to provide trainees with a realistic, hands-on educational experience.

4. TEACHING MODULES
Table 1 Table of teaching modules

Time in
Module Title Overview
hours
This module describes the equipment required for
Buoy cleaning equipment 1.5 cleaning a marine aids to navigation floating mark
(buoy)
This module describes the plan for cleaning buoys
Planning for buoy cleaning 1.5
on station
Cleaning Different Types of This module describes how to clean different types
1.5
Buoys of buoys
This Module describes how marine growth, dust,
Cleaning a buoy 2.0 corrosion and bird droppings are cleaned from a
buoy
Site visit - attending a buoy
4.0 To attend a buoy cleaning operation in the field.
cleaning operation
Evaluation 1.0
Total Hours: 11.5 2 day course

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5. SPECIFIC COURSE RELATED TEACHING AIDS
1 This course involves both theoretical classroom instruction and practical instruction in the field. Classrooms
should be equipped with blackboards, whiteboards, and overhead projectors to enable presentation of the
subject matter.
2 Participants should be briefed fully on all safe working procedures regarding buoys handling and cleaning
when aboard all classes of service craft.
3 Participants should be supplied with all appropriate safety clothing and life-saving equipment during the
practical module.
4 Models or photographs of service craft and or buoy tenders and buoys, chains, sinkers used by AtoN service
providers should be considered as valuable teaching aids.
5 Trainees should have access to the types of equipment that they will be expected to work with on the job.
6 Examples of equipment used in buoy cleaning operations should be made available. These might include high
pressure washers, cleaning brushes, hand scrapers, wire rope strops and safety equipment.
7 A video and/or photographs of a best-practice buoy cleaning operation will enhance the students learning
experience prior to the practical site visit.

6. ACRONYMS
To assist in the use of this model course, the following acronyms have been used:
AtoN Aid(s) to Navigation
GRP Glass Reinforced Plastic
IALA International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
L Level
MBS IALA Maritime Buoyage System
SOLAS International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (as amended)
WWA World Wide Academy

7. DEFINITIONS
The definition of terms used in this Guideline can be found in the International Dictionary of Marine Aids to
Navigation (IALA Dictionary) at http://www.iala-aism.org/wiki/dictionary

8. REFERENCES
In addition to any specific references required by the Competent Authority, the following material is relevant to
this course:
1 IALA NAVGUIDE.
2 IALA MBS.
3 IALA Guideline 1077 on Maintenance of Aids to Navigation.
4 IALA Guideline 1006 on Plastic Buoys.
5 Appropriate technical documentation from equipment manufacturers.

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 PART 2 – TEACHING MODULES
1. BUOY CLEANING EQUPMENT
1.1. MODULE 1 – BUOY CLEANING EQUIPMENT
1.1.1. SCOPE
This module describes the equipment required for cleaning a marine aid to navigation floating mark (buoy).
1.1.2. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Upon completion the student will have a satisfactory understanding of the equipment required to conduct a buoy
cleaning operation.
1.1.3. SYLLABUS
1.1.3.1. Lesson 1 – Service craft used during buoy cleaning operations
1 Types and sizes of small service craft.
2 Types and sizes of buoy tender vessels.
1.1.3.2. Lesson 2 - Personal Protective and safety equipment
1 Safety clothing and equipment.
2 Climatic considerations.
3 Eye protection and washing.
4 Hearing protection.
5 Gloves and footwear.
6 Head-face protection.
1.1.3.3. Lesson 3 - Pressure washing machine
1 Features of pressure washing machines.
2 Fresh water supply/tank.
1.1.3.4. Lesson 4 - Tools
1 Marine growth scrapers and their limitations.
2 Securing ropes/belts/wire rope strops.
3 Cleaning brushes.
1.2. MODULE 2 – PLANNING FOR BUOY CLEANING
1.2.1. SCOPE
This module describes the plan for cleaning buoys on station.
1.2.2. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
On completion, the student will have a basic understanding of the planning issues which must be considered
before a buoy cleaning operation can be conducted safely and efficiently.
1.2.3. SYLLABUS
1.2.3.1. Lesson 1 – Safety Plan
1 Risk assessment and method statements.

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2 Equipment testing and certification.
1.2.3.2. Lesson 2 – Cleaning Work Plan
1 Persons required to attend the cleaning operations.
2 Initial inspection of the buoy.
3 Securing the buoy for cleaning.
4 Supervision of the operations.
5 Consideration of weather and climatic conditions.
6 Cleaning of signal/electrical equipment.
1.3. MODULE 3 – CLEANING DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUOYS
1.3.1. SCOPE
This module describes how to clean different types of buoys.
1.3.2. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
On completion, the student will have a basic understanding how different types of buoys should be cleaned.
1.3.3. SYLLABUS
1.3.3.1. Lesson 1 - Steel buoys
1 Methods of cleaning steel buoys.
2 Steel thickness inspection.
1.3.3.2. Lesson 2 - Synthetic buoys
1 Cleaning GRP buoys.
2 Cleaning thermoplastic buoys.
3 Cleaning urethane coated foam buoys.
4 Cleaning all-foam buoys.
1.4. MODULE 4 – CLEANING THE BUOY
1.4.1. SCOPE
This Module describes how marine growth, dust, corrosion and bird droppings (guano) are cleaned from a buoy
whilst preserving its surface coating marine aids to navigation components.
1.4.2. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Upon completion, the student will have a satisfactory understanding of the correct methods of removing foreign
matter and corrosion from both steel and plastic buoys whilst causing no damage to its surface coating and aids
to navigation components.
1.4.3. SYLLABUS
1.4.3.1. Lesson 1 - Cleaning marine growth from buoys
1 General – marine growth.
2 Cleaning buoys using manual scrapers and brushes.
3 Cleaning buoys using high pressure washing machines.
4 The care of paint coatings during cleaning operations.

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1.4.3.2. Lesson 2 - Corrosion removal from steel buoys
1 Corrosion – general.
2 Hand scrapers.
3 Pressure washing machines.
4 Drying and applying paint coatings.
5 The application of anti-fouling paint.
1.4.3.3. Lesson 3 - Cleaning dust and bird dropping from buoys
1 General and potential health issues
2 Use of hand scrapers and pressure washing machines
1.4.3.4. Lesson 4 - Protection of AtoN components during buoy cleaning operations and record
keeping
1 The care and protection of marine lanterns, solar panels and other electric and electronic equipment fitted
to buoys during cleaning operations.
2 Recording the condition of the buoy before and after cleaning.
3 Post cleaning checks, records and reports.
1.5. MODULE 5 – SITE VISIT - ATTENDING A BUOY CLEANING OPERATION
1.5.1. SCOPE
This module comprises attending a buoy cleaning operation in the field.
1.5.2. LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Upon completion, the student will have a satisfactory understanding of how a buoy cleaning operation is
conducted in practice.

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