Lateral Marks vs. Cardinal Marks


Cardinal marks indicate direction relative to a hazard (north, south, east, west), while lateral marks show navigable channels (red/green). Boater ed ensures recognition of both systems.

Related Terms

Navigation Rules

The “rules of the road” for waterways, dictating right-of-way, overtaking procedures, and collisi...

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Inland vs. International Rules

Inland rules apply in many U.S. domestic waters, while international rules govern seaward of spec...

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Waterway Markers

Buoys and signs that provide navigation guidance (e.g., regulatory markers, channel markers, haza...

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Buoy System

The arrangement of lateral or non-lateral buoys indicating safe channels, hazards, or controlled ...

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