What type of lighting is used to alert boat traffic to the location of piers?

Navigation lights are specifically designed to enhance the safety of maritime traffic by marking the presence and location of structures such as piers, docks, and other potential hazards in navigable waters. These lights help boaters determine their position relative to these structures, especially in low visibility conditions such as fog or at night. They are usually positioned to be clearly visible from various angles and are colored and patterned according to established maritime standards to convey specific information about the structure's location and significance.

Other lighting options, such as street lamps and traffic signals, are not suitable for marine environments. Street lamps are intended for roadways and pedestrian areas, while traffic signals are designed for road traffic management. Beacon lights, though they may serve similar purposes, aren't as comprehensive in functionality or as standardized for maritime contexts as navigation lights. Thus, navigation lights are the appropriate choice for alerting boat traffic of pier locations.