Ocean currents, general characteristics

1. Introduction.

Current is the movement of a mass of water and, along with wind, is one of the two phenomena that has the most direct effect on a ship’s course and speed. A good navigator must be familiar with the currents they may encounter in each navigation area.

Knowledge of currents is important when planning a voyage, whether ocean or coastal. It can help reduce transit times, avoid areas with adverse currents that can make navigation dangerous, or simply allow for more comfortable and safe sailing.

In this first chapter on currents, we will cover some general information about the types of ocean currents and briefly describe how they form and their main characteristics. In subsequent chapters, we will explore the main currents of each ocean in more detail.