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6

Safe Speed

Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action can be taken to avoid collision.

Rule 6 requires every vessel to proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances.

Factors to consider for all vessels include:

a
The state of visibility (b) The traffic density including concentrations of fishing or other vessels (c) The manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability (d) At night the presence of background light such as from shore lights (e) The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards (f) The draught in relation to the available depth of water

Additional factors for vessels with operational radar:

i
The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment
  • 1Any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use
  • 2The effect of sea state, weather and other sources of interference on radar detection

Key Takeaways

1

Safe speed must allow proper collision avoidance action

2

Must consider visibility, traffic density, and manoeuvrability

3

Stopping distance is a critical factor

4

Radar-equipped vessels have additional considerations

Common Mistakes

Maintaining full speed in restricted visibility

Not considering stopping distance when determining safe speed

Ignoring the effect of current on ground speed

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