What do navigational computations specifically calculate for safe navigation?

Navigational computations are crucial for ensuring safe navigation as they focus on determining the vessel's current position, intended course, and the distance to be traveled. By calculating these elements, navigators can effectively plot a course that avoids hazards, ensures the vessel reaches its destination efficiently, and allows for adjustments based on environmental conditions or changes in the vessel’s status. Knowing the precise position enables the navigator to avoid collisions and adhere to maritime traffic regulations, while understanding the course and distance aids in planning for timely arrival and maintaining communications.

The other options, while relevant to broader marine operations, do not specifically pertain to the fundamental calculations involved in safe navigation. Weather patterns and their impacts, for instance, are critical for planning but are not direct navigational computations. Likewise, movement patterns of marine wildlife, although important for ecological considerations, do not influence navigational calculations per se. Lastly, while fuel efficiency and vessel performance are significant for operational logistics and cost considerations, they do not address the core aspects of navigational safety that revolve around position, course, and distance.