In restricted visibility, what should you do?

• A. Stop completely
• B. Increase speed to clear ahead
• C. Maintain speed
• D. Reduce speed to the minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course

Answer: (D)

In restricted visibility the priority is to have enough time and control to detect and avoid hazards. You should reduce speed to the minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course. Slowing down this way gives you the ability to observe more effectively, make necessary steering adjustments, and respond to any other vessels or obstacles in time. Stopping completely isn’t usually required and can actually create a hazard for other traffic. Keeping a vessel at normal speed doesn’t give you the margin needed to react, and speeding up only lowers your chances of spotting dangers in time. So, reducing speed to the lowest safe level that still lets you stay on course is the best practice in reduced visibility.