Rule 6 - Safe Speed

Question 1

Rule 6 - Initial Sentence

Answer 1

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 the prevailing circumstances and
conditions. In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among those taken into
account:

Question 2

Rule 6 - Part A

Answer 2

By all vessels:
- the state of visibility;
- the traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels;
- the manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning
ability in the prevailing conditions;
- at night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or from back scatter
of her own lights;
- the state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards;
- the draught in relation to the available depth of water.

Question 3

Rule 6 - Part B

Answer 3

Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
- the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
- any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
- the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;
- the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by
radar at an adequate range;
- the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
- 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.