Coast Guard Exams
Question 54Navigation General70% to pass

Which of the following is a characteristic of a lighted cardinal mark?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) very quick flashing. Cardinal marks are navigation buoys that indicate the direction of the safe water in relation to the mark. A cardinal mark's characteristic light pattern is very quick flashing, with a flash rate of 60-99 flashes per minute. This distinct flashing pattern helps mariners identify the mark as a cardinal mark, in contrast to other buoy types that have different light characteristics like flashing, occulting, or fixed. The other answer choices are incorrect because flashing (A) is a different light characteristic, occulting (C) is also a different light pattern, and fixed (D) lights are not used for cardinal marks.

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