Which statement about setting and drift is true?

Which statement about setting and drift is true?

• A. Setting and drift are calculated using an electronic fix in a dead Reckoning position
• B. Setting and drift refer to wind direction
• C. Setting and drift are the distance to a hazard
• D. Setting and drift are the ship's speed

Answer: (A)

Setting and drift describe the current’s effect on a vessel. The set is the direction toward which the current is pushing, and the drift is the current’s speed. To determine them, you compare where you actually are (from an electronic fix) with where you think you are based on your last course and speed (your dead-reckoning position). The difference between the electronic fix and the dead-reckoning position shows the current’s effect: the direction of that difference gives the set, and the distance over time gives the drift. Using an electronic fix against your DR position is how you derive both set and drift. The other options mix in wind, hazards, or the ship’s own speed, which aren’t what setting and drift measure.

Setting and drift describe the current’s effect on a vessel. The set is the direction toward which the current is pushing, and the drift is the current’s speed. To determine them, you compare where you actually are (from an electronic fix) with where you think you are based on your last course and speed (your dead-reckoning position). The difference between the electronic fix and the dead-reckoning position shows the current’s effect: the direction of that difference gives the set, and the distance over time gives the drift. Using an electronic fix against your DR position is how you derive both set and drift. The other options mix in wind, hazards, or the ship’s own speed, which aren’t what setting and drift measure.