What is the primary purpose of navigational buoys?

The primary purpose of navigational buoys is to guide safe passage through channels. Navigational buoys serve as vital aids to navigation, helping mariners determine safe routes to take, avoid dangerous areas, and safely navigate waterways. They are strategically placed in channels, harbors, and along coastlines to provide essential visual references for positioning and navigation.

While buoys can also indicate the presence of hazards, provide information about fishing zones, or suggest a quicker route, their main function is to ensure safe navigation by marking navigable waters and indicating the safest paths for vessels. This is crucial for preventing groundings and collisions, making them indispensable for safe maritime operations.