In a set and drift calculation, which statement correctly identifies drift?

Master the Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling (NSS) – Officer of the Deck (OOD) Phase 2 Exam with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your test!

Multiple Choice

In a set and drift calculation, which statement correctly identifies drift?

In set and drift calculation, drift is the speed of the current. The current’s velocity, how fast the water is moving past the vessel, is the drift. The direction of that movement is called the set. So drift answers “how fast” the current is pushing the ship, while set answers “which way” it’s pushing. For example, if the current is moving toward 060 degrees at 2 knots, the drift is 2 knots and the set is 060 degrees. This current speed causes the vessel to be carried off its intended track, depending on your speed through the water. If you only looked at time or distance, you wouldn’t be describing how fast the water is moving; and set is the direction, not the speed, of that movement. Thus, drift correctly identifies the speed of the current, not its direction or any other quantity.

In set and drift calculation, drift is the speed of the current. The current’s velocity, how fast the water is moving past the vessel, is the drift. The direction of that movement is called the set. So drift answers “how fast” the current is pushing the ship, while set answers “which way” it’s pushing.

For example, if the current is moving toward 060 degrees at 2 knots, the drift is 2 knots and the set is 060 degrees. This current speed causes the vessel to be carried off its intended track, depending on your speed through the water. If you only looked at time or distance, you wouldn’t be describing how fast the water is moving; and set is the direction, not the speed, of that movement.

Thus, drift correctly identifies the speed of the current, not its direction or any other quantity.

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