How can you account for the effect of current on your navigation?

To account for the effect of current on navigation, adjusting your course and speed is essential. Currents can significantly influence a vessel's trajectory, causing it to drift off its intended path. By understanding the direction and strength of the current, you can make necessary adjustments to your heading to compensate for this drift.

For instance, if you are navigating against a strong current, you might need to increase your speed to maintain the same arrival time at your destination. Conversely, if you are going with the current, you may need to adjust your speed or course to avoid overshooting your destination. This adaptability is crucial for safe and effective navigation, particularly in coastal and inland waters where currents can change rapidly.

Relying solely on a GPS may give you your position, but it does not account for the effects of current. Ignoring the current can lead to poor navigation outcomes, as can maintaining a constant speed without considering how the current may affect your movement. Thus, understanding and adjusting for current is vital for successful navigation.