Drift

To be carried along by currents or wind without a set course or direction. The movement of a vessel or object caused by wind, currents, or tides, often resulting in a deviation from its intended course.

Drift is a fundamental concept in maritime navigation, referring to the unintended movement of a vessel due to external forces such as wind or water currents. When a boat or ship is drifting, it is not actively being steered or propelled in a specific direction but is instead being carried by natural elements. This can happen when a vessel loses power, when it is anchored but still subject to current or wind, or when it is intentionally allowed to move with the flow of water for purposes such as fishing or waiting for a favourable tide.

In navigation, drift is a critical factor that must be accounted for to ensure accurate course plotting. If a vessel is drifting, it may deviate from its intended path, which could lead to navigational hazards or delays in reaching its destination. Mariners use tools such as charts, compasses, and GPS systems to calculate and compensate for drift, ensuring that they can maintain control over their course despite these external forces. Drift can also refer to the gradual accumulation of sediment or debris in a particular area due to the movement of water, which can affect the depth and navigability of certain waterways. Understanding and managing drift is essential for safe and efficient maritime operations.