In navigation terminology, what is meant by "drift"?

In navigation terminology, "drift" refers to the speed or velocity at which a vessel is moving in the direction of its course, largely as influenced by environmental factors such as current and wind. This means that even if a vessel isn't making headway directly towards its intended destination due to these external influences, it is still progressing through the water at a measurable speed. Understanding drift is essential for navigation because it impacts a vessel's course and time to reach the destination, emphasizing the importance of accounting for environmental conditions in navigation planning and execution.

The other options introduce different concepts that are not related to the definition of drift. The path taken by a vessel at rest does not pertain to drift, as it implies no movement. The period of wait before departure refers to scheduling rather than movement or speed. The angle of the ship in the water concerns its orientation or trim rather than its speed or movement through water.