How does current affect navigation?

How does current affect navigation?

• A. It can push your vessel off your intended track; you must adjust heading to maintain track.
• B. It has no effect on navigation.
• C. It only affects speed.
• D. It helps keep you on course.

Answer: (A)

Currents push the water and anything riding in it, so your path over the ground can differ from the direction you steer. The heading is where you point the vessel; the track over ground is where you actually go. To stay on your intended track, you must steer a heading into the current so the water’s push cancels the drift and your track aligns with the plan. For example, if a current runs from your left to your right across your route, you would steer to the left to counter the drift. If you ignore the current, you’ll be off course—the current changes your path, not help you stay on it.

Currents push the water and anything riding in it, so your path over the ground can differ from the direction you steer. The heading is where you point the vessel; the track over ground is where you actually go. To stay on your intended track, you must steer a heading into the current so the water’s push cancels the drift and your track aligns with the plan. For example, if a current runs from your left to your right across your route, you would steer to the left to counter the drift. If you ignore the current, you’ll be off course—the current changes your path, not help you stay on it.