The direction in which a vessel's bow is pointed at any given moment, measured in degrees from north. Heading differs from course because it does not account for current, wind, or leeway effects.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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DraughtThe British English spelling of draft, referring to the depth of water a vessel draws.ECDISElectronic Chart Display and Information System, a computer-based navigation system that complies with IMO regulations and can be used as an alternative to paper nautical charts.Great CircleThe shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, formed by the intersection of the sphere with a plane passing through its center.KnotA unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, approximately 1.852 kilometres per hour or 1.151 miles per hour.LatitudeThe angular distance of a point north or south of the equator, measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the poles.Lee ShoreA shore that lies downwind of a vessel, toward which the wind is blowing.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026