What role do buoys play in maritime navigation?

Buoys play a crucial role in maritime navigation by marking specific hazards and routes. They are strategically placed in waterways to provide essential information to mariners, guiding them safely and helping to avoid dangers such as rocks, reefs, or shallow areas. By indicating safe navigational channels, buoys assist in route planning, ensuring vessels can navigate effectively and with reduced risk of accidents.

In maritime navigation, understanding buoyage helps crews make informed decisions about courses and maneuvers, as the colors and shapes of buoys convey vital information on navigational rules. This function of buoys enhances safety for all maritime traffic, enabling vessels to operate within established navigational frameworks.