What is the primary purpose of marking navigational hazards?

The primary purpose of marking navigational hazards is to inform mariners about safe navigation routes. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of vessels by providing clear guidance on where it is safe to travel and highlighting areas that may pose risks, such as submerged rocks, shoals, or debris. Effective navigation aids help prevent accidents and groundings, allowing mariners to navigate safely and efficiently through potentially hazardous waters.

While enhancing scenic views and assisting with recreational boating activities may be beneficial aspects of navigational aids, these are not their primary functions. The marking of navigational hazards specifically serves the critical role of maintaining safety on the waterways, making the correct choice clear. Additionally, while signaling the presence of local wildlife can be important in certain contexts, it is not the main goal of navigation aids, which are focused on safeguarding maritime navigation.