Final answer:
Lateral buoys do not have equal interval (isophase) lights, as this does not provide clear directionality for navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In maritime navigation, buoys are used to mark the boundaries of channels and to convey navigation information to mariners. Buoys that mark only one side of a channel, also known as lateral marks, follow a specific lighting characteristic that aids in night navigation. These buoys do not exhibit lights with the characteristic of equal interval (isophase) lighting, wherein the light has periods of equal light and darkness. Instead, they might display characteristics such as flashing (A), quick flashing (B), or composite group flashing (C). The key reason for this restriction is that an isophase light does not provide clear lateral directionality and can cause confusion on which side of the channel the mariner should navigate.