When navigating a channel that splits, what should you expect at the junction?

When navigating a channel that splits, it's important to be able to identify the preferred channel for safe and efficient passage. Markers indicating the preferred channel serve as navigational aids, guiding boaters on which direction to take. These markers help to highlight the safest route, often established based on depth, width, or other local conditions that affect navigation.

In contrast, other options may imply confusion or a lack of guidance. The absence of markers does not provide any navigational assistance, while traffic lights are not typically used in marine navigation like they are on roads, and equal markers in both directions could lead to uncertainty regarding which route to choose. Therefore, understanding that markers indicating the preferred channel are specifically installed to aid in navigation at a split ensures safe passage and proper compliance with navigational standards.