How should a power-driven vessel navigate in restricted visibility?

In conditions of restricted visibility, it is crucial for a power-driven vessel to proceed at a safe speed. This means adjusting the vessel's speed to ensure that it can react appropriately to potential hazards that may be obscured by the limited visibility.

Navigating at a safe speed allows the operator to assess the situation clearly and take necessary actions to avoid collisions. This involves understanding the environmental conditions, radar capabilities, and the potential presence of other vessels in the vicinity. By maintaining a speed that allows for effective maneuvering, the vessel is better equipped to respond to unexpected situations, such as sudden changes in course or the presence of obstacles.

Maintaining minimal speed does not necessarily account for the need to ensure effective maneuverability; simply stopping the vessel until visibility improves can lead to increased risk from other vessels that may not know it is stationary. Frequent changes in speed could confuse other vessels and compromise safety. Therefore, the most responsible and prudent approach in restricted visibility is to navigate at a safe speed, balancing caution with the need to maintain forward momentum and maneuverability.