Waypoint (WPT)

A specific location or reference point on a navigational route, often used to mark progress or changes in course.

A waypoint is a predetermined geographical location that is used in navigation to help guide a vessel along a planned route. These points are typically defined by coordinates, such as latitude and longitude, and are entered into a vessel’s navigation system, whether that be a GPS, chartplotter, or other electronic navigation aids. Waypoints are crucial in both coastal and offshore navigation, allowing mariners to break down a long journey into manageable segments. They serve as markers for course changes, areas of interest, or even potential hazards that need to be avoided. 

In traditional navigation, waypoints might have been physical landmarks, such as buoys, lighthouses, or notable coastal features. However, with modern electronic navigation, waypoints are often virtual, existing solely as coordinates on a digital chart. Mariners can programme a series of waypoints to create a route, and the vessel’s autopilot can follow these points, adjusting the course as needed to stay on track. 

Waypoints are also used in racing or cruising to mark specific legs of a journey, and they can be shared between vessels to ensure all boats in a fleet follow the same path. They are an essential part of route planning, ensuring that vessels can navigate safely and efficiently from one location to another.