A Cardinal Mark is primarily used to indicate what aspect of navigation?

A Cardinal Mark serves a crucial function in maritime navigation by indicating safe navigation routes around hazards. These marks are specifically designed to show mariners the safest direction to navigate, alerting them to underwater dangers such as rocks, wrecks, or reefs. Their design and color coding follow international standards, using combinations of black and yellow to denote directionality: north, south, east, and west.

For instance, a North Cardinal Mark indicates that safe water lies to the north of the mark, guiding vessels safely around an obstruction. This ensures that navigators can make informed decisions to avoid perilous areas. The system's distinctive shapes and colors further help mariners effectively identify them from a distance, enhancing navigational safety. Understanding the purpose of Cardinal Marks is essential for maintaining safety at sea, especially in areas with numerous hazards.