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NAU 102
Lesson 33
 Weather Instruments

Wind Vane
Measures apparent wind direction.

Anemometer
Measures apparent wind speed.
Weather Instruments

Wind Vane

Anemometer
 Wind

Definitions
True wind. The speed and direction from which
the wind blows with reference to a fixed point.

Apparent wind. The speed and direction (true

or relative) from which the wind appears to
blow with reference to a moving point.
 Wind

Examples
True wind: East wind, 10 knots.
Ship: course 090° T, speed 5 knots.

Apparent wind: From 090° T (000° R), 15 knots.

 Wind

Examples
True wind: West wind, 10 knots.
Ship: course 090° T, speed 5 knots.
Apparent wind: 270° T (180° R), 5 knots.
 Wind

Anemometers and wind vanes give

apparent wind
(unless the vessel is stopped).
We must solve for True wind for our
weather observations.
Best done graphically on maneuvering
board, plotting sheet or compass rose.
 Wind

Example 1: A ship is proceeding on

course 240° at a speed of 18 knots. The
apparent wind is from 040° relative at
30 knots. What is the true wind?
 Wind
Step 1: Plot ship’s course
& speed.
 Wind
Example 1: A ship is proceeding on course 240° at a speed of 18
knots. The apparent wind is from 040° relative at 30 knots.

Step 2: Convert relative direction of

apparent wind to true direction, if
necessary.
R+S=T

040° R + 240° = 280° T

Step 3: Draw the apparent wind from the tip of the
Wind
ship’s course & speed vector.
(Remember, draw the direction the wind is blowing
towards!)
Step 4: Complete the triangle. Result = True wind.
Wind
Direction = 315 °T

Speed = 20 knots
 Wind

Example 2: A ship is proceeding on

course 140° at a speed of 15 knots. The
apparent wind is from 110°T at 20
knots. What is the true wind?
 Wind
Step 1: Plot ship’s course
& speed.
 Wind
Example 2: A ship is proceeding on course 140° at a
speed of 15 knots. The apparent wind is from 110°T at
20 knots. What is the true wind?
Step 2: Convert relative direction of
apparent wind to true direction, if
necessary.

True direction of apparent wind = 110° T

Step 3: Draw the apparent wind from the tip of the
Wind
ship’s course & speed vector.
Step 4: Complete the triangle. Result = True wind.
Wind
Direction = 071 °T

Speed = 11 knots
 Wind Measurement

Beaufort Scale
If no instruments are available,
speed may be estimated by observing
the effect on the water.

Scale was devised in 1806 by English

Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort (1774-1857).
Force 0
Force 1
Force 2
Force 3
Force 4
Force 5
Force 6
Force 7
Force 8
Force 9
Force 10
Force 11
Force 12
Introduction to Navigation

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