USCG Exam PracticeEstimated position from current set & drift
Between fixes, when only the current can be estimated, which type of position represents the navigator's best available estimate of the vessel's actual location?
- A. The DR position, because it is based on logged speed and course
- B. The fix, because it is derived from external references
- ✓ The estimated position (EP), because it corrects the DR for set and driftCorrect
- D. The course-made-good position, because it accounts for leeway
Why C 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; a fix requires external references not available between observations.
Cited:Bowditch Ch. 8 §803