What must you do if you encounter a marked navigational buoy?

When encountering a marked navigational buoy, it is essential to follow the navigational rules associated with the type of buoy. Buoys are designed to guide boaters safely through waterways and indicate important navigational information. Each buoy serves a specific purpose, such as marking channels, indicating safe waters, or providing warnings about hazards.

Understanding and adhering to the rules related to buoys ensures safe navigation and helps prevent accidents or collisions. Navigational rules are established to ensure that all boaters interpret the signals provided by buoys accurately, allowing for coordinated movement and safety on the water.

Ignoring the buoy because one is familiar with the area, going around it without any consideration of its purpose, or speeding up to pass it quickly can lead to dangerous situations. Each buoy plays a crucial role in maintaining safety for all vessels in the vicinity, making it vital to respect these markers and comply with the associated regulations while boating.