Rules of the Road · Restricted Visibility
Rule 19 applies to vessels in or near an area of restricted visibility. Which of the following is the primary speed requirement under Rule 19?
- AA vessel shall proceed at bare steerageway
- BA vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances✓ Correct
- CA vessel shall reduce speed to dead slow ahead
- DA vessel shall stop engines until visibility improves to at least 1 nautical mile
Explanation
Rule 19(b) requires vessels in or near restricted visibility to proceed at a safe speed — the same standard as Rule 6, but now critically important in fog. There is no prescribed absolute speed. The right speed depends on radar range, traffic, maneuverability, and sea state. Bare steerageway or dead slow may be appropriate but are not mandated.
Authority: 72 COLREGS Rule 19(b)
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