What is safe speed?

• A. The full set of factors including visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, weather conditions, current, hazards, and depth of water
• B. Only weather conditions
• C. Engine horsepower
• D. Visible water depth only

Answer: (A)

Safe speed means choosing the speed that lets you take proper and effective action to avoid a collision under the current conditions. You adjust your speed based on all the factors that can affect your ability to see, react, and maneuver: visibility, how busy others are (traffic density), how easily your vessel can maneuver, the weather, the current, any hazards, and the depth of the water. When you consider all of these, you pick a speed that gives you enough time and distance to respond safely. Focusing only on weather misses other important influences, and engine horsepower or water depth alone don’t determine safe speed.