What does the term "navigable waters" refer to?

The term "navigable waters" refers to bodies of water that are deep and wide enough for boats to operate safely. This definition encompasses a variety of waterways including rivers, lakes, and sometimes coastal waters, indicating that boats can travel through them without encountering significant obstacles that would impede navigation.

Safety and functionality are key considerations, and waterways must be suitable for vessels to navigate without the risk of grounding or capsizing. This ensures that navigation is not only possible but also practical for different types of vessels, ranging from small recreational boats to larger commercial ships. The other options either restrict the definition too narrowly or categorize bodies of water based on criteria unrelated to their ability to support safe and effective navigation.