The primary purpose of a special purpose buoy is to ______.

A special purpose buoy is specifically designed to serve functions that go beyond simply marking a navigation channel or guiding vessels. One of its primary roles is to indicate areas that require special attention, such as dredging operations or military exercises. This targeted signaling is crucial for the safety of mariners who need to be aware of activities or zones that might present hazards or require caution, rather than just serving as navigational aids.

These buoys can convey important regulatory information and safety warnings specific to unique situations, making them an essential tool for ensuring safe maritime operations in various contexts. By marking areas such as construction zones or regions that are temporarily restricted, special purpose buoys help to protect both the vessels and the operations occurring in or near those areas.