Way (Vessel Motion)

A vessel’s movement or momentum through the water.

Headway is forward motion and sternway is astern motion. ‘Steerage way’ describes sufficient relative water flow for useful steering response, but the amount required depends on rudder, propulsion, current and vessel design and is not the sole technical meaning of way.

A vessel can retain way after propulsion is reduced and can be moving over the ground with little way if carried by current. Orders and reports should distinguish water-relative motion, ground speed and legal under-way status.