The term SET in navigation indicates what aspect of current?

In navigation, the term "set" refers to the direction in which a current pushes a vessel off its intended course. When navigators use the term "set," they are specifically interested in understanding how the current affects their heading and trajectory. Knowing the direction of the current (the "set") is essential for correcting the vessel's course, ensuring accurate navigation, and compensating for drift caused by the current.

To effectively navigate, mariners often need to account for not only the set of the current but also its speed, which helps in determining the anticipated drift over time. However, other choices do not capture the specific navigational concept of "set," which focuses explicitly on the direction of the current's influence on the vessel's path.