How many cardinal points are designated in the IALA system?

In the IALA Maritime Buoyage System, there are four cardinal points: North, South, East, and West. These cardinal points are essential for navigation as they provide critical reference points for vessels. Each cardinal point plays a role in determining the direction of buoys, leading mariners to understand the best routes and safe passage through waters.

The cardinal points in the IALA system are represented by specific buoys, which are color-coded and marked with symbols unique to their direction. This helps in clearly conveying navigational information to mariners, ensuring safe navigation around hazards and in port approaches. Understanding these cardinal points is essential for effective chart reading and navigation, making the knowledge of the four cardinal points fundamental for any practitioner of maritime navigation.