02/05/2026
⚓ Every mariner must know these. Cardinal Marks tell you where the safe water is — and where the danger lies.
Unlike lateral marks, cardinal marks work on a simple rule: pass on the side the mark is named after.
🔺 North Cardinal — Safe to the North. Black over Yellow. Two cones pointing UP. Light: Q or VQ (uninterrupted quick flashing)
◆ East Cardinal — Safe to the East. Yellow over Black. Two cones pointing AWAY (base to base). Light: Q(3) or VQ(3)
🔻 South Cardinal — Safe to the South. Yellow over Black over Yellow. Two cones pointing DOWN. Light: Q(6)+LFl or VQ(6)+VFI
◆ West Cardinal — Safe to the West. Black over Yellow over Black. Two cones pointing TOGETHER (inward). Light: Q(9) or VQ(9)
🧠 Memory Pattern:
N = Uninterrupted | E = 3 | S = 6 + Long Flash | W = 9
Learn the topmarks. Learn the colours. Learn the lights. At night, in poor visibility, or in unfamiliar waters — these marks save lives.
🔖 Save this. Share it with someone studying for their CoC.
