Navigation signs (water)

Navigation signs are used in marine environments to relate information about potential risks and requirements, such as maximum speed while driving a boat on a waterway.

This suite contains two types of non-standard traffic control signs and a navigational markers:

Non standard traffic control signs
Water markers.

Catalogue sample

Download the full LIM Signage suite Catalogue.

Technical drawings and artwork templates

Embellishment	Technial dwg/artwork templates	Supplier
	Navigation signs - Non standard traffic control Technical drawing: S-NAV-traffic Artwork template: Link xxx	No supplier specified
	Navigation signs - Water marker Technical drawing: S-NAV-wm Artwork template: Link xxx	No supplier specified

Purpose

Council is responsible for Navigational signs throughout constructed inland waterways such as canals and lakes. All other waterways are the responsibility of Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

The signs may be installed for the following users:

Watercraft, such as boats and jet skis users.
Beach goers, such as swimmers and body surfers.

This suite contains two types of non-standard traffic control signs and a navigational markers:

Non standard traffic control signs – used at boat ramps, pontoons, access points and associated environments. These signs can be used on both land and in water.

See the following:

Transport and Main Roads Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for sign design and construction.
TMR Design Guide for Roadside Signs for sign post construction and footing design.
Transport and Main Roads Design Criteria for Boat Ramps for signs standard drawings, sign post design and sign locations.

Water markers – floating devices that indicate boundaries for activity areas, such as bathing reserves.

See Maritime Safety Queensland Buoys, markers and beacons (IALA) International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.

Planning

General

The following should be considered prior to installing/positioning the sign:

Determine if the sign is required.
Confirm the intent for installing the sign.
Consider existing signs.
Consider if the new sign can be incorporated onto existing signs to minimise visual clutter.
Determine accessible, highly visible locations to calculate the number of signs required.

Design

Legal, standards and guidelines, requirements

Sign construction

Technical drawings (DWGs) - for typical construction details for each sign type. See Technical drawings and artwork templates table (above - top of page).
Artwork templates and samples - for approved graphic design templates and samples for alternative options (where applicable) for each sign type. See Technical drawings and artwork templates table (above - top of page).

See LIM Signage – Overarching guidelines – for Standards such as, designing for access and inclusion, traffic and road standards (where applicable).

Content and corporate branding

Sunshine Coast Council corporate branding logo must be displayed on all signs as per Artwork templates.
All colours must be selected from the Council corporate colour palette or otherwise approved for specific purpose. e.g. some colours, such as red, yellow and black, (not part of the corporate palette) may be used for regulatory purposes.

See LIM Signage – Graphic design guidelines – for essential guidance on components that make up signs. e.g. colour application, pictogram integration, text sizing and spacing, map implementation etc.

Content general

All sign artwork is to be professionally designed (by a qualified graphic designer or equivalent) as vector files.
Short message - content must be clear and concise
Sign content must use a positive tone. This will influence the reader to embrace the message.
All regulatory pictograms must be approved by Council (Community Response) prior to printing.

When selecting potential sign locations, it is important to balance visibility, aesthetics, and safety. Signs should never obstruct or dominate prominent natural views, landmarks, or marine vistas. Instead, signage should remain secondary to the natural environment and marine movement, ensuring that it complements rather than detracts from the visual experience of waterways.

However, safety is paramount. Signage must be positioned where it is clearly visible to marine traffic under all conditions, including varying light, weather, and tidal changes. Consider the following factors when determining placement:

Sight lines and approach angles: Ensure signs are visible from typical navigation routes and at appropriate distances for safe decision-making.
Avoid visual clutter: Do not place signs where they compete with multiple other signs or structures, which can cause confusion.
Environmental integration: Position signs to minimise impact on scenic views while maintaining compliance with safety standards.
Maintenance access: Choose locations that allow safe and practical access for inspection, cleaning, and replacement.

Delivery

For all developer delivered assets, contact Council (Development Services) – this includes all works associated with any development application.

For all council delivered assets, the following process should be used:

Site investigations

Confirm council land tenure and approval process.
Identify sign location.
Identify physical/technical constraints.
Obtain arborist advice (where required).

Community engagement/stakeholders

Where applicable.

Corporate liaison and approvals

See the Technical drawings and artwork templates table in each sign type page for guidance - How to place an artwork order (internal use only) and Artwork design instructions (internal use only).

Council (Parks and Gardens) and or Council (Environmental Operations).
- initial approval for use/application of sign.
- approval and guidance of artwork content.
- approval to manufacture signs.
- approval of location of signs.
Council (Community Response)
- approval of any regulatory signage/componentry.
Council (Communication)
- editing of templates
- supply of proofs for approval
- approval of corporate branding.

Deliverables

Site plan – for sign installation.
Technical drawings (DWGs) – sign construction details.
Schedule of signs.

Manufacture

In-house manufacture – Council (Transport Network Operations) - Civil Operations (Signs Technical Officer).

External manufacture – select a suitable sign fabricator.

Installation

All relevant key stakeholders are to be notified (including contractors), and where required, attend a pre-start meeting.
Sign location as per approved site plan.
Installation as per technical drawings and schedule.

Finalisation

Assets captured.
As designed as constructed drawings (ADAC) supplied.
Hand over to asset custodian.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.

All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.

This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.

Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.

Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.

This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.

Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.

Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.

Suite of signs