Which feature on the VMS would assist in estimating travel time to a destination?

The distance measuring tool is instrumental in estimating travel time to a destination because it provides accurate measurements of the distance between two points on a map or nautical chart. By knowing the distance to be traveled and factoring in the vessel's speed, the crew can calculate the time required to reach the destination. For instance, if a vessel travels at a constant speed, the formula used is time equals distance divided by speed. Thus, distance measurement directly influences time estimation, making this tool essential for navigators planning their journeys efficiently.

Other features, while valuable for navigation, serve different purposes. The speed calculator helps assess current velocity, which is crucial for navigation but does not directly estimate time without distance input. Route planning helps in charting a course but does not quantify travel time unless combined with distance. Chart selection is related to choosing the appropriate navigational charts but does not provide direct assistance in calculating travel time.