What term describes the distance a vessel moves through the water over a period of time?

The term that describes the distance a vessel moves through the water over a period of time is speed. Speed is a fundamental concept in seamanship and navigation, as it indicates how quickly a vessel can traverse a certain distance. It is typically measured in knots, which are nautical miles per hour. Understanding a vessel's speed is critical for navigation, as it allows sailors to calculate travel time to their destination, estimate fuel consumption, and maintain safety at sea.

In contrast, draft refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull (keel), indicating how deep a vessel sits in the water. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by water that counteracts a vessel's weight and enables it to float. Course refers to the intended path or direction that a vessel is to follow over the ground, often expressed in degrees. While each of these terms plays a crucial role in maritime operations, speed specifically relates to the rate of movement through the water.