What are considered the "traffic signals" that guide boaters along their course?

Buoys and markers are essential navigational aids that serve as "traffic signals" for boaters, helping them understand where they can safely navigate and what areas to avoid. These markers provide critical information about water depth, hazards, and navigable channels, ensuring that boaters can navigate waters safely.

For instance, different colored buoys convey specific messages, such as indicating the boundaries of channels, marking hazards, or suggesting safe passageways. The use of these visual signals is crucial, especially in busy or complex waterways, as they direct the flow of boating traffic and enhance safety on the water.

While lighthouses also provide valuable guidance and warning for coastal navigation, they are not as detailed as buoys and markers in terms of directing motorboats through specific paths in various water conditions. Red flags are often used to signal specific dangers, such as swimming hazards, rather than guiding boats. Underwater barriers, while important for marine protection, do not serve the purpose of guiding boats along their courses.