How should a power-driven vessel navigate in restricted visibility?

Navigating in restricted visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow, requires a power-driven vessel to proceed at a safe speed. This is essential because it allows the vessel to maintain control and react in time to avoid collisions with other vessels or obstacles.

A safe speed in restricted visibility is determined by factors such as the visibility conditions, traffic density, and the maneuverability of the vessel. By proceeding at a safe speed, the vessel operator can ensure adequate stopping distance, giving them the ability to respond to sudden changes in the situation.

Maintaining minimal speed may not always be safe because it could leave the vessel vulnerable to collisions, as the vessel may not be able to maneuver effectively in emergencies. Stopping until visibility improves could be risky as well, especially in congested waterways where other vessels might be navigating. Changing speeds often could create uncertainty for other navigators, making it more difficult to predict the vessel’s path and potentially leading to dangerous situations. Therefore, proceeding at a safe speed is the most prudent option during restricted visibility.