When using a buoy as an aid to navigation, what is a key consideration?

When using a buoy as an aid to navigation, understanding that the buoy may not be in the charted position is crucial for safe navigation. A buoy is intended to help boaters maintain their course and avoid hazards, but it can be displaced due to various factors such as strong currents, storms, or physical obstructions. Therefore, relying solely on a buoy's position as indicated on navigation charts can be hazardous if the buoy has drifted or been moved from its designated spot.

This awareness underscores the importance of continuously assessing the navigation environment, including weather conditions and any possible changes in water levels or currents. It serves as a reminder for boaters to maintain situational awareness and to use additional navigation tools in conjunction with buoys, ensuring a safer journey on the water.

Understanding the limitations of buoy placement reinforces the necessity for careful navigation practices. Other statements, such as assuming that a buoy is always in its charted location or that specific characteristics of the buoy indicate its reliability, do not account for the variable nature of marine environments.