( a ) This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in
or near an area of restricted visibility.
Exp:
This Rule applies to vessels that may be close to each other but cannot see
each other visually; electronic devices and sound signals may be the primary
methods of detection, and therefore the action conducted will not be visible
to the other vessel.
The areas are not only in low-visibility locations, but also in close proximity
to them. Ships should use caution while approaching a fog bank, or an area
of low visibility caused by weather or other factors.
( b ) Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall
have her engines ready for immediate maneuver.
Exp:
This statement implies that rule number 6 is to be followed, and the speed is
to be kept at a safe speed. It has a number of factors for us to consider.
It requires that: "Every vessel shall at all times 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 and
conditions."
Always keep the engines ready for an immediate maneuver so that it has a
variety of alternatives for avoiding a collision.
( c ) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and
conditions of restricted visibility when complying with the Rules of Section I of
this Part.
Exp:
This implies that Rule 19 is not really the main rule from Part B's Steering
and Sailing Rules that applies when navigating in low visibility.
This means that rules 4 to 10 are important for this section.
Rule 4 says that the section applies in any conditions of visibility.
Rule 5, every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight
and hearing.
Rule 6 deals with safe speed.
Rule 7 risk assumptions shall not be made on scanty (radar) information.
Rule 8 covers action to be taken to avoid collision.
Rule 9 vessels proceeding along a narrow channel should keep to starboard.
Rule 10 deals with the behavior of vessels in or near traffic separation
schemes.
( 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:
( i ) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other
than for a vessel being overtaken;
Exp:
This indicates that under low visibility, when the vessels are unable to see
each other as required by the Rules, the preceding must be followed. Of
course, changing the course to Port has been advised against, and it should
be followed as much as possible. However, if the case requires a change of
course other than to Port, that may be done.
Rule 2 may also apply in this section. It requires you to follow both the rules
and 'the ordinary practice of seamen'. This means that you must always use
common sense.
( ii ) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
Exp:
It is because vessels are not in sight of one another and the observations are
made by electronic means, a proper evaluation of the vessel's aspect cannot
be made, and the following standards must be implemented.
( e ) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist,
every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another
vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel
forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be
kept on her course. She shall, if necessary, take all her way off and in any event
navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.
Exp:
This means taking action when unable to avoid a close quarters situation.
• Reduce speed to allow more time to assess the situation
• Remember not all vessels will be detected by radar
If a fog signal is heard it might be difficult to locate the direction of the fog
signal.
In order to comply with Rule 19:
• Keep an effective listening watch for fog signals.
• Have your engine ready for immediate maneuver.