Question 93Navigation General

The correct answer is B) the difference in the periods of the light. Cardinal buoys are used to mark the cardinal points (north, east, south, west) around a navigational hazard. The periods of the light flashes on the cardinal buoys are different for each cardinal direction to help mariners identify which way the hazard lies. Specifically, north cardinal buoys have quick flashing lights, east cardinal buoys have a long-short-long flash pattern, south cardinal buoys have a very quick double-flash, and west cardinal buoys have a regular flashing light. This difference in light characteristics allows mariners to distinguish one cardinal system from another, even when the hazards are located close together. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the distinguishing features between cardinal buoyage systems. The light colors, use of horizontal/vertical stripes, and even/odd numbering are not the primary means of differentiating between nearby cardinal buoy systems.