If you see a North Cardinal buoy, where is the safe water?

Master the Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling (NSS) – Officer of the Deck (OOD) Phase 2 Exam with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your test!

Multiple Choice

If you see a North Cardinal buoy, where is the safe water?

Safe water lies to the north of a North Cardinal buoy. Cardinal marks indicate the side of a hazard that is safe to pass on, and the North Cardinal specifically marks the northerly side. The mark is identified by its topmark (two cones pointing upward), signaling that the deep, safe water is on its north side, with the hazard lying to the south. So when you see it, you should navigate with the open water to the north of the buoy.

Safe water lies to the north of a North Cardinal buoy. Cardinal marks indicate the side of a hazard that is safe to pass on, and the North Cardinal specifically marks the northerly side. The mark is identified by its topmark (two cones pointing upward), signaling that the deep, safe water is on its north side, with the hazard lying to the south. So when you see it, you should navigate with the open water to the north of the buoy.

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