USCG Exam PracticeEstimated position from current set & drift
The vector relationship 'course steered + drift vector = course made good' is used to solve which navigational problem?
- A. Determining the vessel's speed through the water from GPS ground speed
- ✓ Finding the course to steer to achieve a desired track over the ground when current is presentCorrect
- C. Calculating the distance run from a known fix using only log readings
- D. Converting a compass course to a true course using variation and deviation
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 24 §2402 states that inverting the vector triangle — from course made good and drift, derive the course steered — allows the navigator to determine the course to steer to make a given track over the ground when current is acting on the vessel.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 24 §2402