Which of the following accurately describes 'restricted visibility'?

Which of the following accurately describes 'restricted visibility'?

• A. Visibility must be excellent
• B. Visibility can be restricted under any condition
• C. Restricted visibility refers to any condition where visibility is restricted
• D. Restricted visibility only applies in fog

Answer: (C)

Restricted visibility means any situation in which you cannot see other vessels or navigate safely because visibility is reduced. It isn’t limited to fog—rain, snow, mist, smoke, dust, darkness, or any combination that makes spotting and identifying other vessels difficult all count. In these conditions, rules require proceeding at a safe speed, maintaining a proper lookout, and using all available means (radar, AIS, navigation lights) to assess risk and take appropriate action, including sound signals when needed. The statement that restricted visibility refers to any condition where visibility is restricted best matches this broad idea. The other options mischaracterize it: excellent visibility isn’t restricted; restricted visibility isn’t limited to fog; and it isn’t something that can occur under any condition, only under reduced visibility situations.

Restricted visibility means any situation in which you cannot see other vessels or navigate safely because visibility is reduced. It isn’t limited to fog—rain, snow, mist, smoke, dust, darkness, or any combination that makes spotting and identifying other vessels difficult all count. In these conditions, rules require proceeding at a safe speed, maintaining a proper lookout, and using all available means (radar, AIS, navigation lights) to assess risk and take appropriate action, including sound signals when needed. The statement that restricted visibility refers to any condition where visibility is restricted best matches this broad idea. The other options mischaracterize it: excellent visibility isn’t restricted; restricted visibility isn’t limited to fog; and it isn’t something that can occur under any condition, only under reduced visibility situations.