Boating license / Cardinals, channels... Review the marine marking in video


To obtain your coastal license, it is essential to know the maritime marking on the fingertips. But beyond the simple preparation for an exam, your safety at sea is also at stake. It is very useful to know what this yellow-black-yellow beacon means!

  • The flashing light: it has periods of light shorter than the periods off.
  • The blackout light: the periods off are shorter than the periods on.
  • The isophase fire: the periods of light are as long as the periods of darkness.

There are obviously many rhythms. You can read on the charts the rhythm of the different beacons that you will meet!

The 5 most present brands on the water are :

  • The side marker, red or green, which indicates the passage areas.
  • The cardinal mark, yellow and black, which indicates a more or less extensive danger zone.
  • The isolated hazard mark indicates the presence of a very localized hazard.
  • The safe water mark indicates a safe area to navigate.
  • The special mark that may indicate a hazard or restricted area.

Each of these brands has its own colors, lights and indicators to differentiate them all.

In the video at the beginning of the article, you will review all the maritime buoyage by day and night, including beach buoyage, new dangers and passing under bridges. Finally, you will be able to review the harbor lights, which are essential to know for a safe entry into the harbor!

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