Which colored cardinal buoy is painted yellow above black?

• A. north
• B. south
• C. east
• D. west

Answer: (B)

The colored cardinal buoy that is painted yellow above black is meant to indicate a south cardinal buoy. Cardinal buoys are used in marine navigation to mark safe water and convey the relative positions of hazards. Each cardinal buoy is distinguished by its color scheme and the geographic direction it represents.

In the case of a south cardinal buoy, the yellow color at the top signifies that it is north of a danger area. Therefore, mariners must keep the buoy to their south to navigate safely around that area. This color-coding system is crucial for ensuring that navigators can identify the correct path and avoid obstacles safely.

The other types of cardinal buoys have different color schemes: a north cardinal buoy is typically black above yellow; east cardinal buoys are painted yellow and black in bands; and west cardinal buoys are black on top and yellow below. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure safe navigation in marine environments.