🔍 Key Concepts
• IALA cardinal marks and how they indicate the direction of safe water (N, E, S, W)
• The flash patterns for quick or very quick white lights on cardinal marks
• The memory aid that links the number of flashes to positions on a clock face (3, 6, 9)
💭 Think About
• Which cardinal mark uses a pattern of 6 short (quick) flashes followed by 1 long flash, and what compass direction does that cardinal mark represent?
• How do the different flash groups (continuous, 3, 6+1 long, 9) correspond to north, east, south, and west on a compass rose?
• Can you recall the common mnemonic that connects the numbers 3, 6, and 9 with east, south, and west around a clock? Where would 6 be located?
✅ Before You Answer
• Confirm which cardinal mark’s light characteristic is Q(6)+LFl or VQ(6)+LFl (6 quick/very quick flashes plus 1 long).
• Verify that you are matching the correct direction (N/E/S/W) to the flash group, not to the buoy color or topmark shape alone.
• Double‑check that you know whether the safe water lies in the named direction from the mark (e.g., safe water to the north of a north cardinal).