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A cardinal mark, as defined by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, is a sea mark (a buoy or other floating or fixed structure) used in maritime pilotage to indicate the position of a hazard and the direction of safe water. They are interpreted to indicate the direction of safety as a cardinal ( compass) direction (north, east, south or west) relative the mark. They are thus meaningful regardless of the direction or position of the approaching vessel, in contrast to the (perhaps better-known) lateral mark system.A cardinal mark indicates one of the four compass directions by:
- its distinctive pattern of black and yellow stripes,
- the direction of its two conical top-marks, and
- optionally, its distinctive sequence of flashing light.
In the diagram, the light sequence is indicated by the white-banded pattern and the notation Q (for quick) or VQ (very quick). Either the quick or the very quick sequence may be used; the choice allows for two similar nearby marks to be uniquely identified by their lights.
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