If a fog signal forward of your beam is heard and the risk of collision is not yet determined, what speed should you reduce to?

If a fog signal forward of your beam is heard and the risk of collision is not yet determined, what speed should you reduce to?

• A. Full speed ahead
• B. Navigate with caution; reduce to bare steerageway if danger exists
• C. Stop
• D. Bare steerageway

Answer: (B)

In reduced visibility, the priority is to proceed at a safe speed that lets you take effective action to avoid a collision. If you hear a fog signal forward of your beam, another vessel could be nearby ahead, but you don’t yet know its exact course or speed. The proper response is to navigate with caution and be prepared to reduce speed to the point where you can maneuver safely. Reducing to bare steerageway—the minimum speed needed to maintain steering—provides maximum control without becoming unresponsive to a potential change in the situation. You wouldn’t stay at full speed in fog, and stopping isn’t appropriate unless there’s an immediate danger that requires it. This approach keeps you prepared to take action if the risk of collision materializes.

In reduced visibility, the priority is to proceed at a safe speed that lets you take effective action to avoid a collision. If you hear a fog signal forward of your beam, another vessel could be nearby ahead, but you don’t yet know its exact course or speed. The proper response is to navigate with caution and be prepared to reduce speed to the point where you can maneuver safely. Reducing to bare steerageway—the minimum speed needed to maintain steering—provides maximum control without becoming unresponsive to a potential change in the situation. You wouldn’t stay at full speed in fog, and stopping isn’t appropriate unless there’s an immediate danger that requires it. This approach keeps you prepared to take action if the risk of collision materializes.