In SAR terminology, set refers to what?

• A. The speed of wind
• B. The set and drift combined to produce predicted path
• C. The direction of drift expressed in true bearing
• D. The course to steer of the vessel

Answer: (C)

In SAR terms, set is the direction toward which the surface current is moving. That direction is given as a true bearing. The speed of that movement is called drift, and when you combine set (direction) with drift (speed), you get the predicted path the object will follow. So set identifies where the water flow is taking the object, expressed as a bearing, rather than how fast it’s moving or the vessel’s own steering requirements. This is why the best choice describes set as the direction of drift expressed in true bearing.