Waypoint - Nautical Know How

A defined geographic position used as a reference in navigation or route planning.

A waypoint is normally stored as latitude and longitude and may mark a course alteration, reporting point, approach position or user-created reference. It can be part of a route without representing a physical buoy, landmark or safe-water mark.

Coordinates, datum, name and source must be checked, especially when copied between devices or publications. A straight leg to a waypoint is not automatically clear of hazards, traffic or restricted water, and arrival alarms use a radius or crossing rule that must be understood.

Related Content:

Buoyage Made Easy: The UK Guide to IALA Region A (with clear examples)
Red to port, green to starboard—and what about cardinals, junctions and sector lights? This plain-English UK guide to IALA Region A turns theory into calm, tidy pilotage, with quick-reference downloads for lights and sound signals.
Digital Passage Plans for Inspection: What an RYA Instructor Likes to See
Build a digital passage plan an RYA instructor can read in 60 seconds. Show “decisions for reasons” with clear evidence. • What they check: clarity, safety margin, reasons, alternatives, backup. • The 4-page pack: route overview, tides and streams, pilotage, weather and limits. • Prove your sources: chart edition, model run time, reference and secondary ports. • Keep it simple to share: GPX, PDF, and one printed summary. • Finish with a checklist you can copy. Read the full guide and make a plan that stands up to inspection.
Navigating with Waypoints: Maximising Your Chart Plotter’s Potential
Passage Planning: Understanding APEM
Signalling & Communication