Where to find it
Option 1 — Current position tab
From the map, tap on any vessel to open its details page
Tap the Current position tab
Scroll down to the Vessel position section
You will find both the Course and Heading values displayed there
Option 2 — Current Voyage tab
From the map, tap on any vessel to open its details page
Tap the Current Voyage tab
The Course is displayed at the top of the page as part of the vessel's current voyage summary
What is the difference between Course and Heading?
These two values are related but represent different things:
| Definition |
Course | The actual direction the vessel is moving over the ground, expressed in degrees (0°–360°) |
Heading | The direction the vessel's bow is physically pointing, expressed in degrees (0°–360°) |
Why can they differ? External factors such as wind, ocean currents, or tidal drift can push a vessel sideways, causing its actual path over the ground (Course) to differ from the direction it is pointing (Heading). This difference is known as drift or leeway.
Practical example
A vessel pointing due North (Heading: 000°) but being pushed eastward by a strong current may actually be moving North-East (Course: 045°). Both values are useful depending on whether you need to know where the vessel is going or where it is pointed.