Navigation - Course Made Good and Speed Made Good (White Board Part 3)

Summary

The script discusses the impact of ocean currents on a vessel's navigation. Despite maintaining a course of 135 degrees, the current pushes the vessel off course to 145 degrees, illustrating the concept of 'course made good.' The discussion also covers 'speed made good,' calculating it as 4.6 knots over a 3.5-mile distance in 45 minutes. The dialogue highlights the need to adjust for currents, either by increasing engine power or waiting for favorable conditions, emphasizing the practical challenges of maritime navigation.

Takeaways

• 🚢 The boat has been pushed off course by the current for 45 minutes.
• 🧭 Despite trying to steer a course of 135 degrees, the actual course made good is 145 degrees due to the current.
• 📏 The actual distance traveled, from the starting point to the current position, is 3.5 miles.
• ⏱ The time taken to cover the distance is 45 minutes, which is equivalent to 0.75 hours.
• 📉 The speed made good, considering the current's effect, is calculated to be 4.6 knots.
• 🔄 The current has a negative impact on the boat's progress, causing it to move slower than intended.
• 🛑 To counteract the current's effect, the boat could either increase engine power or wait for a favorable current.
• 🌊 The current's strength can significantly affect the boat's speed, fuel consumption, and overall travel time.
• ⛽ The decision to push against the current or wait for favorable conditions can impact fuel efficiency and travel plans.
• 📚 Understanding the concepts of set and drift, course made good, and speed made good is crucial for effective navigation.

Q & A

What is the issue the speaker is addressing in the transcript?

The speaker is addressing the issue of a ship being pushed off course due to the current, and how to calculate the actual course made good and speed made good.

What is the intended course the ship is trying to steer?

The intended course the ship is trying to steer is 135 degrees.

What is the actual course made good after being affected by the current?

The actual course made good after being affected by the current is 145 degrees.

How long was the ship pushed off course according to the transcript?

The ship was pushed off course for 45 minutes.

What is the distance the ship actually traveled to get from its starting point to its ending point?

The distance the ship actually traveled is 3.5 miles.

What is the speed made good of the ship after accounting for the current?

The speed made good of the ship is 4.6 knots.

How does the current affect the ship's speed according to the discussion?

The current affects the ship's speed by slowing it down, causing it to lose a little bit of speed.

What are the two choices the speaker suggests if the current is significantly slowing the ship down?

The two choices suggested are to push the throttle forward and labor the engines harder, or wait until the current is favorable.

What does the speaker imply about the ship's fuel consumption when the current is against it?

The speaker implies that when the current is against the ship, it will burn a little bit more fuel because the ship has to work harder against the current.

What is the term used to describe the ship's progress over the ground after accounting for the current?

The term used to describe the ship's progress over the ground after accounting for the current is 'speed made good'.

How does the speaker suggest calculating the speed made good?

The speaker suggests calculating the speed made good by using the formula: speed made good = distance / time.