In waterways management, the term "navigation" refers to:

In waterways management, "navigation" primarily pertains to the ability to safely operate vessels on water. This encompasses a variety of skill sets and knowledge that enable operators to move through different types of waterways while ensuring safety for themselves, their vessels, and others using the waterway. Key aspects of navigation include understanding charts, weather conditions, buoyage systems, and compliance with maritime regulations.

This definition emphasizes the practical application of skills needed for the safe transit and maneuvering of boats and ships in both commercial and recreational contexts. It also encompasses concepts such as route planning, maneuvering techniques, and awareness of waterway conditions.

While other options touch on aspects related to waterways, they do not encapsulate the holistic view of navigation. Constructing new waterways relates to infrastructure development, recreational use pertains more to enjoyment and leisure activities, and regulating boat traffic focuses on management practices rather than the actual act of navigating itself. These elements are important in the broader context of waterways management, but they do not directly define the term "navigation."