COG

Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Maritime

COG
Stands forCourse over ground
CategoriesTransportation & Travel

COG stands for Course over ground, a maritime abbreviation.

Actual direction a vessel is moving over the seabed, as measured by GPS, which can differ from its heading because of wind, current and leeway.

Example: Our heading was 090, but the cross-current pushed our COG to 105.

Usage notes

The difference between heading and COG is called drift or set, depending on the cause. Navigators correct for it to stay on track. COG is shown on chartplotters and AIS displays as a vector line from the vessel.

More maritime abbreviations

  • AB – Able Seaman
  • AIS – Automatic Identification System
  • ARPA – Automatic radar plotting aid
  • B/L – Bill of lading
  • COLREGS – International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
  • CPA – Closest point of approach
  • DR – Dead reckoning
  • DSC – Digital selective calling
  • DWT – Deadweight tonnage
  • ECDIS – Electronic Chart Display and Information System
  • EPIRB – Emergency position-indicating radio beacon
  • FCL – Full container load

See all 61 maritime abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.