IALA Buoyage System Quiz

What does a cardinal mark primarily indicate to a mariner?

• Safe water all around

• Direction of safest navigable water

• Area prohibited for anchoring

• Port or starboard side of a channel

Which color pattern is used for a North Cardinal Mark?

• Black with a single red band

• Black above yellow

• Yellow above black

• Red and white vertical stripes

What topmark is found on a South Cardinal Mark?

• Two cones pointing upward

• Two spheres

• Two cones pointing downward

• A single cone pointing up

A lateral mark with red color and a cylindrical (can) shape indicates:

• Port side of the channel (IALA Region A)

• Starboard side of the channel (IALA Region A)

• Preferred channel to port

• Isolated danger

What does a safe water mark signify?

• Unobstructed water all around

• Isolated danger ahead

• Separation of traffic lanes

• Safe anchoring zone only

Which of the following describes the light characteristic of an Isolated Danger Mark?

• Long flashing white

• Quick flashing white in a group of 3

• Group flashing white (2)

• Flashing red every 5 seconds

A yellow buoy with an X-shaped topmark usually indicates a:

• Special mark

• Safe water mark

• South cardinal mark

• Port lateral mark

In IALA Region A, green buoys mark the:

• Port side of the channel when returning from sea

• Starboard side of the channel when returning from sea

• Safe water zone

• Wreck location

What is the color scheme for an Isolated Danger Mark?

• Green with horizontal stripes

• Black with one or more red horizontal bands

• Yellow with blue stripes

• Red and white vertical stripes

A preferred channel to starboard mark (Region A) has which characteristic?

• Yellow with black stripes

• Black above yellow

• Red with a green horizontal band

• Green with a red topmark