Maritime Questions › Day Skipper Buoyage Passage

What does a Safe Water mark indicate and how is it recognised?

Q: In IALA Region A (UK, Europe, Africa, most of Asia), what does a port hand lateral mark look like?

Red can or pillar with flat top, red light (any rhythm) IALA Region A: port hand marks are RED, can/pillar shape, red light any rhythm. Keep them to port when entering harbour (coming from sea). Starboard hand marks are GREEN, conical, green light. Memory: "Red right returning" applies in Region B (Americas) — the OPPOSITE of Region A.

A. The end of a traffic separation scheme — cardinal mark with no topmark

B. Safe water all around, usually mid-channel or landfall — red and white vertical stripes, spherical topmark, Iso/Oc/LFl 10s or Morse A white light

C. A recommended track for deep draught vessels

D. An anchorage area — yellow with anchor symbol

In IALA Region A (UK, Europe, Africa, most of Asia), what does a port hand lateral mark look like?

A. Red and white vertically striped

B. Red can or pillar with flat top, red light (any rhythm)

C. Yellow with a single cross topmark

D. Green conical with green light

What are the characteristics of a North Cardinal mark?

A. All black, cone point up, quick flashing

B. Yellow over black, two cones points DOWN, occulting white

C. Black and yellow horizontal bands, cone point up, group flashing (3)

D. Black over yellow, two cones points UP, Fl(Q) or VQ white light — pass to the NORTH

+7 more Day Skipper Buoyage Passage questions available

Create a free account to practise all 10 questions, track your accuracy, and build your Reputation Score.

Create Free Account