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?
- Emergency wreck-marking buoy
- Port-hand mark · Region A
- Starboard-hand mark · Region A
Answers and explanations
Lookout: Blue and yellow vertical stripes, an upright yellow cross and alternating blue/yellow light.
The sound answer
Emergency wreck-marking buoy
Blue/yellow vertical stripes and an upright yellow cross. The three-second cycle is blue for one second, darkness for half a second, yellow for one second, then darkness for half a second. Consult current information and keep clear of the new hazard.
Why the other options fall short
Port-hand mark · Region A
Red can-shaped lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to port. In the opposite direction, leave it to starboard. Read the charted buoyage direction rather than assuming every passage is inward. Here the observed cue identifies emergency wreck-marking buoy. Blue/yellow vertical stripes and an upright yellow cross. The three-second cycle is blue for one second, darkness for half a second, yellow for one second, then darkness for half a second. Consult current information and keep clear of the new hazard.
Starboard-hand mark · Region A
Green conical lateral mark. In the conventional direction of buoyage, leave it to starboard; travelling against that direction reverses the side of your vessel on which you leave it. Here the observed cue identifies emergency wreck-marking buoy. Blue/yellow vertical stripes and an upright yellow cross. The three-second cycle is blue for one second, darkness for half a second, yellow for one second, then darkness for half a second. Consult current information and keep clear of the new hazard.
Emergency wreck marking
Blue/yellow vertical stripes and an upright yellow cross. The three-second cycle is blue for one second, darkness for half a second, yellow for one second, then darkness for half a second. Consult current information and keep clear of the new hazard.