3-29. Each navigator operating in tidal waters must know the set (direction toward) and drift (velocity or speed expressed in knots) of the tidal currents in the area. He can use the NOAA Tidal Current Tables to predict the force and direction of tidal currents in most oceans. The NOAA publishes these tables annually and organizes them in a manner similar to the Tide Tables. The Tidal Current Tables are also divided into four volumes. Each volume consists of five tables that provide specific information on tidal current characteristics. They are—