Whilst currents/tidal streams have the greatest effect on the movement of vessels, the wind can also affect their movement. The effect of the wind on vessel movement is two fold: Firstly, it will cause an increase or decrease of the speed through the water depending on whether the wind is…
The following example is used to explain the procedure to follow: Problem: A vessel steaming at 10 knots wishes to make good a course of 110° (T) from its 1200 position. Find the course to steer allowing for a current setting 170° (T) at 2 knots. Solution: Plot the 1200…
The following example is used to explain the procedure to follow: Problem: From an observed position at 1200 a vessel steers 110° (T) at 10 knots. The current is setting 350° (T) at 2 knots. Determine the estimated position for 1330. Solution: Plot the true course from the 1200 position.…
The best way of demonstrating how to find the set, rate and drift of a current is by using a practical example: Problem: From an observed position at 1200 a vessel steers 110° (T) at 12 knots. At 1330 another fix is obtained. Determine the set rate and drift of…
When plotting courses of vessels and the set of a current/tidal stream, the direction of travel is indicated by arrow heads pointing in the direction of travel. The number of arrow heads differentiate between courses steered, courses made good and the set of a current/tidal stream: One arrow head =…
The following terminology is used with currents and tidal streams: Set – we speak about the set of the current/tidal stream when referring to its direction of flow. It is expressed in degrees (°). Rate – this is the speed of the current/tidal stream expressed in knots. Drift – this…
