What is the role of a regulatory buoy in maritime navigation?

Regulatory buoys play a crucial role in maritime navigation by indicating restrictions or regulations to mariners. These floating markers serve as visual signals that inform boaters about specific rules or conditions that could affect their navigation and safety on the water. The messages conveyed by regulatory buoys can include information about no-wake zones, speed limits, or areas where certain activities such as swimming or fishing may be restricted. Therefore, their primary function is to ensure that vessels operate in compliance with established regulations, aiding in safe and orderly use of navigable waterways.

While other buoy types exist for various purposes, such as marking safe entry points or suggesting specific courses, regulatory buoys are unique in their dedicated function of communicating rules and restrictions tailored to navigational safety.