What should you do to maintain safety when operating in restricted visibility?

• A. Increase speed and maintain course
• B. Reduce speed, maintain a proper lookout, use radar/chart as available, and communicate with others as needed.
• C. Stop engine and drift
• D. Alter course toward the nearest shore

Answer: (B)

When visibility is restricted, the safest approach is to slow down, keep a vigilant lookout, use every available navigation tool, and communicate with others as needed. Slowing gives you more time to spot hazards, assess risks, and maneuver or stop within the limited sight distance. Maintaining a proper lookout means dedicating attention to detect other vessels, hazards, and navigation aids, using all senses and coordinating with crewmates. Using radar and charts helps you identify targets and fix positions even when you can’t rely on sight alone, and cross-checking those tools with the chart lets you understand relative bearings, ranges, and where you are in relation to hazards. Communicating with others—via radio or other means—helps share intentions, confirm positions, and receive updates, reducing the chance of collision.

Increasing speed while visibility is poor would shorten your time to react and increase the likelihood of a collision. Stopping the engine and drifting removes your control and can put you directly in the path of hazards. Altering course toward the nearest shore could lead you into unknown shallow areas or other dangers; it’s better to reduce speed, stay vigilant, and use navigation tools to determine a safe course.