Nautical Term: SOA
Definition of SOA
The term ‘Speed of Advance’ (SOA) refers to the speed at which a vessel is able to cover ground against a current, wind or other external influence. For instance, when planning a voyage from one harbor to another, navigators must take into account not only the vessel’s own speed, but also the current or wind conditions which may either help or hinder the vessel’s progress. By calculating the Speed of Advance, navigators can more accurately estimate the time it will take to complete a voyage, allowing them to better plan their journey, manage their resources and ensure the safe and efficient operation of their vessel.
Example: The cargo ship ‘Sea Venture’ was scheduled to depart from the port of New York and sail to the port of San Francisco. The expected distance between the two ports was approximately 2,800 nautical miles. The ‘Sea Venture’ was a modern cargo vessel with a length of 1,100 feet, a beam of 152 feet and a draft of 39.5 feet. The vessel was powered by a diesel engine with a capacity of 64,000 horsepower,
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