🔍 Key Concepts
• IALA cardinal marks and what they indicate about where the safe water lies
• The meaning of different flash groups: continuous, 3, 6+1 long, 9
• How to relate the number of flashes to the cardinal direction shown by the mark
💭 Think About
• First, recall the four types of cardinal marks and match each with its characteristic light rhythm.
• Think of any memory aid you’ve learned that links flash groups (3, 6+1, 9, continuous) to North, East, South, and West.
• Once you identify which cardinal direction uses 3 quick white flashes, ask yourself: on which side of that buoy is the danger, and on which side is the safe water?
✅ Before You Answer
• Be sure you are using cardinal marks, not lateral (red/green) marks.
• Double‑check which direction (N, E, S, W) corresponds specifically to 3 quick white flashes.
• Confirm: with that cardinal mark, the safe water is on the named side (e.g., for an East cardinal, safe water is to the east of the mark).