In fog or dense fog on the water, what is the recommended behavior?

• A. Slow down, use audio signals to avoid collisions, and navigate using radar or depth finder if available; follow safe routes.
• B. Increase speed to minimize time in fog.
• C. Turn off radar and depth finder.
• D. Stay in place and wait for fog to lift.

Answer: (A)

Fog on the water dramatically reduces your ability to see hazards, so the safest approach is to move with extra caution. Slow down to give yourself more time to react to other vessels, buoys, or unexpected obstacles. Use audio signals to announce your presence and listen for others responding, which helps prevent collisions when visibility is poor. If your vessel has radar or a depth finder, use them to detect objects, terrain, and traffic ahead and adjust your course accordingly. If there are established safe routes or channels, follow them to minimize uncertainty and stay in safer, well-marked waters.

Rushing through fog increases the risk of collision because you have less time to react. Turning off radar or depth finder removes key tools for detecting hazards. Waiting in place indefinitely isn’t practical and can leave you drifting into traffic or hazards as conditions can persist or change.