Observe and identify
Foundation level, about 2 min. IALA worldwide marks.
The situation
A navigation mark lies ahead. Inspect its body colour, paint pattern and topmark with the binoculars. Interpret it using the stated buoyage region.
Which mark is this, and what does it tell you?
- North cardinal
- East cardinal
- South cardinal
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Both cones point up; black is above yellow. The white light flashes continuously.
The sound answer
North cardinal
Black above yellow, with two cones pointing up. White continuous quick or very quick flashes. The named northern side is the indicated side for passage; check the chart for the danger and clearance.
Why the other options fall short
East cardinal
Black–yellow–black, with two cones pointing apart. White light in groups of three quick or very quick flashes. Pass on the eastern side and establish clearance from the chart. Here the observed cue identifies north cardinal. Black above yellow, with two cones pointing up. White continuous quick or very quick flashes. The named northern side is the indicated side for passage; check the chart for the danger and clearance.
South cardinal
Yellow above black, with both cones pointing down. Six quick or very quick white flashes followed by a long flash. The long flash distinguishes six from nine. Pass south. Here the observed cue identifies north cardinal. Black above yellow, with two cones pointing up. White continuous quick or very quick flashes. The named northern side is the indicated side for passage; check the chart for the danger and clearance.
Cardinal marks
Black above yellow, with two cones pointing up. White continuous quick or very quick flashes. The named northern side is the indicated side for passage; check the chart for the danger and clearance.