As you pass under the Vicksburg Bridges, you estimate the current as 3.0 mph. What is the speed over the ground, if your vessel is making turns for 10.5 mph?
• Difference between speed through the water and speed over the ground • How current in the same direction as the vessel affects speed over the ground • Basic formula: effective speed = boat speed ± current
• Is the current helping you (going the same way) or opposing you (going the opposite way) as you pass under the bridges? • If your engines are making turns for 10.5 mph in still water, how would a 3.0 mph following current change your speed over the ground? • Try calculating both possibilities: boat speed PLUS current and boat speed MINUS current, then compare your results to the answer choices.
• Be clear whether 10.5 mph is through the water (engine/turns) or already over the ground • Check your sign: use "+" when current is with you and "−" when current is against you • After calculating, confirm that your final speed is reasonable given that the current is helping your vessel.
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