You are a Senior Officer of the Watch on vessel “A” and are passing through the Straits of Gibraltar. The vessel’s speed is 18 knots and your vessel is overtaking several other vessels, when the visibility reduces down to about 2 nm. What aspects would you consider when establishing a “safe speed” for your vessel?
Correct answer:
Deciding safe speed consider: 2 miles visibility; traffic density; manoeuvring of vessel; effectiveness of navigational equipment (ARPA etc); state of sea and currents and navigational hazards.; Adjust my track to follow Route 1 or 2 illustrated and reduce speed down to half speed, approximately 8 knots.Your Answer:
A safe speed is where a vessel can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within an appropriate distance.