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Module 15 of 17

Restricted Visibility

Precautions and limitations imposed by fog and restricted visibility.

Precautions in fogLimitations imposed by restricted visibility

Lesson summaries

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Navigating in Fog

Fog is one of the most dangerous conditions for small-craft sailors. Visibility can drop to metres with little warning. Your ability to see hazards, other vessels, and navigation marks is...

  • Fog can arrive suddenly with little warning
  • Consider postponing passage if fog is forecast
Read the full navigating in fog lesson

Precautions in Fog

Fix your position immediately while you can still see landmarks. Switch on navigation lights. Start sounding fog signals (one prolonged blast every two minutes for a power vessel, one pro...

  • Fix position while you still can see marks
  • Navigation lights ON
Read the full precautions in fog lesson

Fog Signals (Rule 35)

Rule 35 of the COLREGs specifies sound signals in restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel making way: one prolonged blast (4–6 seconds) every 2 minutes. A power-driven vessel stopped...

  • Power vessel making way: 1 prolonged blast / 2 min
  • Power vessel stopped: 2 prolonged blasts / 2 min
Read the full fog signals (rule 35) lesson

Using Instruments in Fog

Without visual references, you must rely on instruments. GPS provides your position — plot it on the chart regularly. The echo sounder gives depth — compare it with the chart to confirm y...

  • GPS: plot position on chart regularly
  • Echo sounder: compare depth with chart as a position check
Read the full using instruments in fog lesson

Rule 19 — Conduct in Restricted Visibility

Rule 19 applies to vessels not in sight of one another in restricted visibility. The stand-on/give-way rules (Rules 12–18) DO NOT APPLY in fog — every vessel must take its own avoiding ac...

  • Rules 12–18 do NOT apply when vessels are not in sight of each other
  • Rule 19 replaces them in restricted visibility
Read the full rule 19 — conduct in restricted visibility lesson

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