Rule 6 - Safe Speed

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

Notice that the rule Does not define what safe speed is but rather instructs you to constantly evaluate the prevailing circumstances and conditions

Factors determining safe speed include:

• Visibility condtions
• traffic density
• maneuverability of the vessel , especially stopping distance
• background lights at night
• wind and current
• navigational hazards
• depth of water

Additionally, vessels with operational radar shall consider:

• Characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment
• Range scale in use
• Effect against sea state, weather, and other sources of interference
• ability to detect small vessels and objects such as ice (may not be able to detect)
• The number, location, and movement of vessels detected
• Effective use in determining a more exact range of visibility