The purpose and theme of this paper is to introduce oceanographic concepts, although it focuses more on the description of global surface currents. The paper presents the basic characteristics of surface currents in the seas and oceans, and their importance for life on the planet. The methods of measuring surface sea currents and the impact of analysis on the safe navigation of ships, based on the analysis of the available information, are presented. Knowledge of the movement and stability of sea currents is extremely important for the projection of economic factors when planning navigation. Experienced sailors can find various information about sea currents in nautical charts and forecasts for a specific navigation area. All available data on the speed and movement of sea currents, data on winds, waves or the appearance of sea ice used when planning navigation and determining the best sea route. It can be said with certainty that sea currents affect our daily life, which is presented to us through meteorological conditions and the climate that changes drastically, and at the same time, all these changes directly affect navigation planning as well as the safety of the ship and crew.