What type of information do vertical stripes on a buoy provide?

The presence of vertical stripes on a buoy serves to identify the type and function of the buoy within the IALA Maritime Buoyage System. These markings are a key part of the visual communication system for mariners, allowing them to quickly ascertain the purpose of a buoy based on its color pattern. For instance, different stripe patterns can indicate whether the buoy is a lateral buoy, a special buoy, or serves another specific navigational role. This is particularly important for ensuring safe navigation and reducing the likelihood of accidents, as mariners can easily distinguish between various types and functions of buoys just by their appearance.