Navigational Aids
Navigational aids on the ocean can be a signal or markers such as lighthouses or day beacons. Some other types of navigational aids used are buoys, floats, and airhorns. The ocean contains thousands of these different types of navigational aids; all of which serve a specific purpose at a desired location.
These types of guidance equipment avoid collisions by warning marine vessels and even airplanes of possible hazards. They are found primarily around areas of high vessel traffic such as shipping lanes, ports, airports near the sea, or harbors, or in areas of high risk such as jagged rocks or coastlines.
Many of these aids require the use of energy to function their lights, radar reflectors, and water/air sensors. This energy often comes from solar or wave energy converters. The colors and shapes of the lights and beacons give specific information as to what hazards are present and how they can be avoided.