We've just received a radio call from a group of oil exploration vessels to our south reporting that they are under attack by armed pirates. We need to investigate, so let's start by setting a heading and speed that is appropriate for the mission.

Select your vessel, then press the F3 key to activate the 'Plot Course' command and click somewhere south of your ship. Once you have set a waypoint, press 'Esc' to deactivate 'Plot Course' mode.

Now set your speed by pressing the F2 key. We're responding to a distress call, so set your speed to 'Flank'. This will give us the highest speed our vessel is capable of and allow us to reach the scene as soon as possible. Once this is complete, start time by pressing Space Bar or clicking the 'Start/Resume' button.