What is a drift test?

A drift test is a procedure carried out to determine how a vessel behaves when it is not under any propulsion and is allowed to drift with the current and wind. By stopping the vessel and allowing it to drift, typically outside a defined distance like 500 meters, operators can measure the direction and rate of drift. This information is crucial for assessing the influences of environmental factors on the vessel's positioning and is essential for safe operations during Dynamic Positioning (DP) maneuvers.

Understanding the drift direction and speed helps in making informed decisions regarding vessel positioning and can inform the DP system's adjustments to maintain station when faced with external forces such as wind and current. This test is particularly important in dynamic positioning operations where maintaining control over a vessel's location is critical for safety and efficiency.