19
Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility
In restricted visibility, vessels detected by radar alone must take avoiding action in ample time. Avoid altering to port for a vessel forward of the beam.
Rule 19 applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.
a
This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.
b
Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility.
c
Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I.
d
A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing and/or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided:
- 1An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken
- 2An alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam
e
Every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course.
Key Takeaways
1
Applies when vessels cannot see each other visually
2
Avoid altering to port for vessels detected forward of beam
3
Avoid altering towards vessels abeam or abaft the beam
4
Reduce speed to minimum when hearing fog signal forward of beam
Common Mistakes
Altering to port for a radar contact forward of the beam
Not reducing speed when hearing a fog signal ahead
Applying Section II rules (crossing, head-on) in restricted visibility
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