What is a key factor to monitor when navigating in areas with strong currents?

Monitoring the effect of the current on the vessel's path is crucial when navigating in areas with strong currents. Currents can significantly alter the vessel's intended course, making it essential for the operator to understand how the flow affects speed and direction. The vessel might be pushed off course or experience an increase in travel time due to opposing currents, or conversely, it may be rapidly swept toward a dangerous area if the current is strong and flowing in that direction.

Adequately assessing the effect of currents allows the navigator to make timely adjustments to the heading and speed of the vessel in response to changing conditions, ensuring safety and maintaining control. This knowledge enables the operator to plan better routes, avoid obstacles, and reduce the risk of collisions.

While anchoring, knowing the position of the anchor, distance from the shoreline, and the number of other vessels can be important, they do not directly impact the immediate navigation challenges presented by currents like understanding the current's effect on the vessel's trajectory does.