USCG Exam PracticeEstimated position from current set & drift
Between fixes, when the navigator can estimate current set and drift but has no other external position information, which type of position represents the best available estimate of the vessel's actual location?
- A. The DR position, because it is based on measured course and speed
- ✓ The estimated position (EP), because it corrects the DR position for currentCorrect
- C. The last confirmed fix, because no subsequent position can be trusted
- D. The course-made-good position, because it accounts for leeway
Why B is correct
Bowditch Ch. 8 §803 explicitly states that the EP is the best position available between fixes when only the current can be estimated. The DR position is less accurate because it ignores current.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 8 §803