What does a lateral buoy signify?

A lateral buoy is specifically designed to indicate the sides of a navigable channel or fairway, providing guidance to mariners on which side of the buoy vessels should navigate. This is crucial for safe navigation, especially in areas where the channel may be narrow or tricky to traverse.

The buoy's color and shape follow specific IALA standards; for instance, in the IALA Region A, a red buoy usually marks the port side when entering from the sea, while a green buoy marks the starboard side. This system allows for consistent interpretation and safe passage through channel areas, helping to prevent grounding and collisions.

In contrast, options referring to safe harbor locations, the center of a waterway, or navigational hazards pertain to different types of buoys or markers entirely, which serve other purposes in maritime navigation. Lateral buoys focus solely on marking the borders of navigable routes, making them an essential component of safe waterway management.