Final answer:
The main type of beacon for maritime use is the radar reflector, aiding radar detection of smaller boats. Lighthouses and sonar technology are also crucial for navigation and safety at sea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of beacon used primarily for maritime applications, such as on boats and vessels, is known as a radar reflector. These devices are essential for improving the visibility of smaller boats, particularly those made from materials like fiberglass or wood, which do not naturally reflect radar waves well. By attaching radar reflectors to these boats at high points, they become much more detectable to radar systems, significantly aiding in the prevention of collisions.
Another important maritime navigational tool is the lighthouse, which serves as a visual beacon for ships to avoid dangerous coastlines. Furthermore, vessels employ technology such as sonar to navigate waters and identify obstacles or the seabed. Sonar systems send out sound waves that reflect off objects, allowing ships to determine distances and the shape of objects under water.