United States Coast Guard Captains License Practice Exam

In conditions of restricted visibility, the recommended action for vessels is to use radar and sound signals while reducing speed. This approach is critical for ensuring safe navigation and preventing collisions. When visibility is compromised, increasing speed or staying stationary poses risks. Reducing speed allows for better reaction time to potential dangers, as it provides the crew with increased opportunity to assess their surroundings, interpret radar signals, and listen for sound signals from other vessels. Utilizing radar enhances situational awareness despite poor visibility, while sound signals (like horns or whistles) communicate a vessel's presence to others nearby, further fostering safety.

Staying stationary can lead to other vessels colliding with the stationary vessel, as it would be difficult for them to detect its position without active signals or maneuvering. Similarly, relying solely on visual signals in restricted visibility does not adequately address the challenge of being seen or heard in low visibility conditions, making it a less effective strategy compared to the comprehensive approach that combines radar, sound signals, and speed adjustments.