What do navigational buoys indicate?

Navigational buoys serve as critical tools for maritime navigation, providing essential information to vessels regarding safe channels, hazards, and restricted areas. These buoys are strategically placed in waterways to guide mariners through safe passages while alerting them to potential dangers such as shallow waters, submerged obstacles, or regions where navigation may be restricted due to various reasons, such as construction or environmental protection.

By indicating safe channels, buoys help ensure that vessels can navigate safely without running aground or encountering other hazards. This function is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring safe travel on the water. While buoys can also imply preferred routes or indicate locations of underwater features, their primary role is to highlight areas of safe passage and potential dangers, making it important for all boat operators to understand the information conveyed by these navigational aids.