What is one of the purposes of a buoy in navigable waters?

A buoy in navigable waters serves several important functions, and one of its primary purposes is to indicate traffic separation. This helps to organize and manage the movement of vessels in busy waterways, promoting safety and efficiency. By marking different lanes or sections of water for various types of traffic—such as separating commercial shipping routes from recreational boating—buoys aid in preventing collisions and ensuring that vessels understand where they are allowed to operate.

Buoys fulfilling this role are often equipped with specific colors, shapes, or lights to convey necessary information about navigation regulations, directional guidance, or hazards. This organization is crucial in maintaining order and safety in areas where many boats are navigating simultaneously.

Other options serve different functions. While buoys can indeed mark recreational areas or serve in emergencies, these roles are not their primary function in the context of traffic management.