22.19 Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility

(1) This subsection applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

(2) Every vessel must proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility.

(3) A power-driven vessel must have its engines ready for immediate manoeuvre.

(4) Every vessel must have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with subsection 1 of this section.

(5) (a) A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel must determine whether a close-quarters situation is developing and must determine if risk of collision exists. If so, it must take avoiding action in ample time.

(b) if such action consists of an alteration of course, the following must, as far as possible, be avoided:

(i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken; and

(ii) an alteration of course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

(6) Except where it has been determined that there is no risk of collision, every vessel that—

(a) hears the fog signal of another vessel apparently forward of its beam; or

(b) cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of its beam, must—

(c) reduce its speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on its course; and

(d) if necessary, take all way off; and

(e) in any event navigate with extreme caution until the danger of collision is over.