What does a north cardinal mark look like?

A north cardinal mark is designed to indicate that mariners should navigate to the north of the mark. Its appearance is characterized by the use of black color with two upward-pointing triangles, which visually resemble the shape of arrows indicating the direction to avoid. This specific design is not only distinctive—making it easily recognizable in various conditions—but also aligns with the principles of the IALA Maritime Buoyage System.

The black color signifies that the mariner needs to move in a specific direction, and the two upward-pointing triangles reinforce this directional aspect, indicating the safe passage is to the north. This clarity in design helps ensure maritime safety, providing navigators with essential information for making informed decisions while navigating through potentially hazardous waters.