SET
and
DRIFT
Introductio
n
Interestingly, the mere mention of the words set
and drift strikes paralyzing fear in the hearts of real
and armchair mariners. The reality is that set and
drift problems are relatively easy to solve if one
understands
and
correctly
concepts learned so far.
practices
the
basic
Set
Term used when a vessel advances through the
water and is being set off in a certain direction by a
current moving in a particular direction.
Drift
The velocity in which the vessel is carried on the
current.
Hence, current is the horizontal movement of
water and can be defined in terms of both direction
and speed or just Set and Drift.
Important things to
remember
When calculating Set and Drift problems:
Make sure to determine SET in degrees(True)
Always go to the compass rose with the angle that
you get starting at your missed DR position and
going towards the second fix position. This is SET.
DRIFT speed
distance
in
is
determined
nautical
miles
by
measuring
between
the
the
same
missed DR position and the second fix position.
Work this distance from nautical miles up to speed
in knots by using the S = (D X 60) T formula.
You need to know this !
1. The difference between the dead reckoning position and a
fix position is the result of the action of various forces on a
vessel, plus any errors introduced when laying out course
and speed.
2. Remember, a vessel can be moved from its intended course
by the combination of set and drift, as well as steering
error. The results are often disastrous if not corrected.
3. The direction in which the current is moving, or the
direction a vessel is moved by current is called set.
Direction of set is expressed in true degrees.
4. A vessel set off course by wind and current. The speed of
the current and the speed in which a vessel is being set is
called drift, and is expressed in knots.
A vessel that experiences
Set and Drift
D
0H
123
R
d
pee
S
and
SMG
F
0H
123
e
urs
o
C
DR
CMG
Se
Dr t
ift
F
0H
120
ix
1st Video
2nd Video
ix
Sample Problem
Your vessel is steering 090T at 10 knots. You observed a
lighthouse 5 miles off on the starboard beam. If current is
setting 180T
and the drift is 2 knots, what would be the
distance and bearing of the lighthouse after steaming for 45
minutes?
Things that should be
considered before answering
1. Know what is being asked.
2. Analyze the problem carefully.
3. Gather all the given information and make a table.
4. Illustrate as possible to avoid confusions.
5. Calculate and start solving the unknown.
1
Vessel
course
speed
Given
Lighthouse
bearing distance
Current
set
drift
starboard
090T
10 kts
beam/
(090)
relative
5 nmi
180T
2 kts
2
Required
After steaming for 45 minutes
Distance
Bearing
Current 180T
2 knots
090T
10 kts
Solution
3.5 nmi
Starboard Beam
5.0 nmi
C
Lighthouse
Bearing
=
Bearing
=?
enc=e
c
na
taist
sD
i
D
Vessel
TanB = AC/AB
= 3.5nmi/7.5nmi
Dist. Run = Speed x Time
= 0.4667
= 10kts x 0.75hr
B = S 27.8 W or
=
7.5 nmi
nmi
7.5
242T
242T
Current
Distance = AC/sinB
= 3.5nmi/sin27.8
Dist. Run = Drift x Time
= 8.28
8.28 nmi
= 2ktsnmi
x 0.75hr
=1.5
1.5 nmi
nmi
Now, we have already solved the
problem!
Final Answer
After steaming for 45 minutes
Distance
Bearing
8.28 nmi.
242T
Reference
s
marginalmaritimeadvice.blogspot.com
sailnet.com
webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu
PJMCC Marine Deck Reviewer
Prepared only by:
The End
Thank you !
DCAD LAYOS, ORLAND JAN
Heramil, John Paul
Members:
Gingoyon, Riczen
Loro, Duane
