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