Which colored cardinal buoy is painted black above yellow?

The buoy that is painted black above yellow indicates a north cardinal buoy. This type of buoy is designed to mark safe water to the north of its location. The cardinal system of navigation aids uses specific colors and patterns to communicate information about safe navigational routes and the dangers associated with them.

In the case of the north cardinal buoy, the black color on top signifies that vessels must keep the buoy to the south when navigating. The yellow section below serves to further indicate that the buoy is marking a safe channel heading northward. Understanding the color coding and the meanings of cardinal buoys is crucial for safe navigation, so recognizing that a black over yellow buoy directs mariners to travel north helps reinforce knowledge of buoyage systems and navigation safety.