What does the term "buoyage" refer to?

The term "buoyage" specifically refers to the system of marking navigable channels with buoys. This system is critical for safe navigation, as buoys serve as visual aids that guide vessels through safe water routes and indicate the presence of hazards. Buoys help to delineate the edges of navigable waterways, provide warnings of dangers, and assist with the proper navigation of vessels in various water bodies.

The buoyage system uses specific shapes, colors, and light characteristics to convey information to mariners about water depth, channel direction, and potential hazards. Understanding buoyage is crucial for ensuring safe passage and avoiding accidents, particularly in areas where navigation may be challenging or where the waters are fraught with obstacles. Thus, the correct answer accurately encapsulates the essence of what buoyage entails in the context of maritime navigation.