In restricted visibility, what should you rely on besides visual sighting?

• A. Only visual sighting
• B. Radar and charts as available
• C. Horn and bell sounds only
• D. Rely on GPS alone

Answer: (B)

When visibility is restricted, you must supplement what you can see with other navigation tools. Radar helps you detect other vessels, land features, and hazards that aren’t visible, and it gives you range and bearing information to help you judge risk. Charts provide the official representation of the area—showing depths, shoals, navigational aids, and safe tracks—so you can plot your position and plan a safe course. Using radar in conjunction with the charts lets you maintain situational awareness, fix your position, and make informed decisions about speed and steering even when you can’t rely on sight alone. Relying on GPS alone isn’t enough, and depending only on sounds or visual sighting isn’t sufficient in poor visibility.