Module 16 - Pilotage
Cardinal Marks
What you will learn
Identify each cardinal mark from topmark, colour bands or white light rhythm and state the named side of safer water.
A cardinal mark points to the compass side on which safer water lies relative to a danger or feature. Its two black cones, black-and-yellow bands and quick or very quick white light provide independent recognition cues.
North has both cone points up and black over yellow; south has both points down and yellow over black. East has the cone points apart with bases together and black-yellow-black bands; west has the points together and yellow-black-yellow bands. State the action with the name: north cardinal—safer water lies north of the mark.
At night, north shows uninterrupted quick or very quick white flashes. East uses a group of three, west a group of nine, and south six quick or very quick flashes followed by one long flash. The 3–6–9 groups match a clock face; the long flash distinguishes south from a nine-flash group.
The named side is the initial safe-water message, not a command to pass close. Inspect the chart to see what the mark protects, then apply depth, tide, traffic and route margins. If a topmark is missing or a light is hard to count, use the other available cues and hold off a doubtful approach.
Use topmark, band order and light rhythm as independent checks.
| Mark | Topmark | Body colours | White light if lit | Safer side |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | Both points up | Black over yellow | Q or VQ continuous | North |
| East | Points apart | Black-yellow-black | Q(3) or VQ(3) | East |
| South | Both points down | Yellow over black | Q(6)+LFl or VQ(6)+LFl | South |
| West | Points together | Yellow-black-yellow | Q(9) or VQ(9) | West |
Turn nine flashes into a route decision
A white light shows groups of nine quick flashes near a charted rocky shoal. The body is not yet visible.
1. Identify
A group of nine quick or very quick flashes identifies a west cardinal mark.
2. State the message
Safer water lies west of the mark relative to the charted feature.
3. Plan the margin
Use the chart, depth, tide and traffic to choose a track west of the mark with sensible clearance.
Sense check: 'West cardinal' is only recognition; the useful answer includes 'safer water west' and a chart-checked margin.
Common mistake or limitation
- A north cardinal does not say the danger is north; it says the safer water is north of the mark.
- South is six quick or very quick flashes plus a long flash—the long flash is part of the identifying rhythm.
Recap
- Say the safer side every time you name a cardinal mark.
- Cross-check cone direction, black-band position and the white light rhythm.
- Use the chart to understand the danger and choose a conservative passing margin.
Optional quick check
Section 7 of 8
A mark shows yellow-black-yellow bands and two cone points together. What is the safe-water message?
Continue studying Pilotage
This public lesson is part of Revision Module 16. Full revision access adds the guided Learn, Practise and Test flow, flashcards and revision progress.