The intended horizontal direction of travel measured as an angle from north. Course may differ from heading due to the effects of wind, current, and other environmental forces acting on the vessel.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
On The Maritime
The desks that work with Navigation & Seamanship terms.
Related terms
More in Navigation & Seamanship
BowThe forward-most part of a vessel's hull, designed to reduce the resistance of the hull cutting through water.Chart DatumThe reference level from which depths on a nautical chart are measured, typically the lowest astronomical tide (LAT).Compass RoseA graduated circle printed on nautical charts showing both true and magnetic north, used to determine bearings and courses.Dead ReckoningA method of estimating a vessel's current position by advancing a known position using the course steered, speed through the water, and time elapsed.DraftThe vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of a vessel's hull, indicating how deep the ship sits in the water.DraughtThe British English spelling of draft, referring to the depth of water a vessel draws.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026