RESTRICTED VISIBILITY

Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

• All vessels must operate at a safe speed equal to the current situation and surroundings. Power-driven vessels must have engines ready for instant maneuver.
• All vessels must take into consideration the conditions of the restricted visibility.
• If your vessel is equipped with radar, you must use it to determine if there is any risk of collision. If there is a risk of collision, the vessel may turn to starboard for a vessel forward of the beam, and should never turn towards a vessel to your side or behind you.
• If you hear another vessel that is in a position from either beam to dead ahead of your vessel, you must reduce speed to bare minimum, or stop, to assess the situation and prevent any possibility of collision.
• If at some point you observe the other vessel (it breaks through the fog), you then operate as directed for when vessels are in sight of each other.

Signals to Attract Attention

Boats operating on the Great Lakes and waters where there is tidal influence generally need to carry USCG-approved visual distress signals (see Laws and Safety Equipment section for specific details). Proper use of flare devices provides an important visual distress signal. Numerous boaters in distress have successfully signaled for assistance using flare devices.

If in distress, use any of the signals listed here to attract attention: