USCG Exam PracticeEstimated position from current set & drift
A vessel steers 000° T at 8 knots. A current with set 090° T and drift 3 knots is acting on the vessel. Using the vector triangle relationship described in Bowditch, what is the relationship among these three elements?
- ✓ Course steered vector plus current drift vector equals the course-made-good vectorCorrect
- B. Current drift vector minus course steered vector equals the course-made-good vector
- C. Course made good vector plus course steered vector equals the current drift vector
- D. Set vector plus course-made-good vector equals the course steered vector
Why A is correct
Bowditch Ch. 24 §2402 states the vector triangle relationship as: course steered plus drift vector equals course made good. The vessel's actual track over ground is the vector sum of its water track and the current vector.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 24 §2402