What determines whether a buoy is classified as permanent or temporary?

A buoy is classified as permanent or temporary primarily based on the nature of the hazard it is marking and the duration for which that marking is necessary. Permanent buoys are installed to indicate fixed hazards or established navigational information that will not change for a long period. In contrast, temporary buoys are used for marking short-term hazards, such as construction zones or seasonal changes in navigational routes. This classification ensures that mariners are provided with accurate and timely information about the navigational conditions they will encounter.

Other factors, such as the color, shape, and size of the buoy, play a role in communication and recognition within the buoyage system but do not define its classification as permanent or temporary. Similarly, while the type of waterway can influence buoy design or placement, it does not determine how buoyage is classified in terms of permanence.