Rule 6

Question 1

State the title of and define rule 6

Answer 1

Safe speed.
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that
she can take proper and effective action to avoid collisions and
be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing
circumstances and conditions.

Question 2

In determining a safe speed, what are the factors (6) that shall be taken into account by ALL VESSELS

Answer 2

i. The state of visibility
ii) The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels
iii) The manageability of the vessel with special
reference to stopping distance and turning ability in
the prevailing conditions
iv) At night the presence of background light such
as from shore lights or from back scatter from her
own lights
v) The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards
vi) The draft in relation to the available depth of water

Question 3

In determining a safe speed, what are the factors (6) that shall be taken into account by VESSELS WITH OPERATIONAL RADAR

Answer 3

i) The characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment
ii) Any constrains imposed by the radar range scale in use
iii) The effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference
iv) The possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range
v) The number location and movement of vessels detected by radar
vi) The more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity