Estimated Time Of Arrival - Nautical Know How

The predicted date and time at which a vessel will reach a stated position, destination or operational point.

Usually abbreviated ETA, it is calculated from remaining distance and expected progress, with allowances for route, speed changes, weather, current, traffic, pilotage, locks, port instructions and other foreseeable delays. The stated time zone and the point that counts as arrival must be clear.

ETA is an estimate that should be updated as conditions and plans change. A navigation display based only on present speed may show a useful short-term value but is not a complete operational forecast for berth, harbour or voyage arrival.

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