What could be a direct result of poor buoy positioning?

The selection of increased risk of maritime accidents as the correct answer highlights a crucial aspect of buoy positioning and its impact on navigation safety. When buoys are poorly positioned, they may not accurately reflect the boundaries of navigable waters or hazards in the area. This misplacement can lead to navigational errors by vessels, as mariners rely on buoys to safely traverse channels, avoid shallow waters, and identify potential dangers.

If a buoy indicating a submerged obstacle is offset, for instance, vessels might inadvertently sail into dangerous waters, leading to collisions, groundings, or other maritime incidents. Additionally, if buoys meant to mark navigational channels are misaligned, it could cause confusion among mariners, exacerbating the risk of accidents.

In contrast, improved navigation and enhanced safety are outcomes that are only achievable when buoys are correctly positioned and functioning as intended. More accurate charts also depend on properly placed navigational aids, as they provide the necessary data to create reliable navigation maps. Therefore, the direct consequence of poor buoy positioning is indeed an increased risk of maritime accidents, making the selected answer accurate.