What is the main function of Aids to Navigation?

The main function of Aids to Navigation is to assist mariners in safely navigating waterways. These aids, which can include buoys, lighthouses, and beacons, provide critical information about water depths, hazards, and navigable channels. They are strategically placed to guide vessels through complex or dangerous waters, ensuring both safety and efficiency in marine travel. By clearly indicating safe routes and potential dangers, Aids to Navigation play an essential role in preventing accidents and enhancing overall maritime safety.

While marking recreational areas, enhancing aesthetics, or collecting environmental data may have their own importance, they do not constitute the primary purpose of Aids to Navigation. The core mission remains focused on navigation, which is fundamental for maritime operations to protect lives and property at sea.