How should you properly navigate through fog?

Navigating through fog requires special precautions because visibility is significantly reduced. The correct approach is to reduce speed and sound the horn at intervals. Reducing speed is crucial as it allows you more time to react to potential hazards that may emerge from the fog, such as other vessels, navigation hazards, or obstacles. This slower speed increases safety and helps prevent collisions.

Sounding the horn at regular intervals is a critical communication tool in foggy conditions. It alerts other vessels to your presence, helping to ensure that everyone is aware of each other as you navigate through the low-visibility environment. Using sound signals in this manner is a recognized navigational practice, enhancing overall safety on the water.

While radar can be a valuable tool, relying solely on it may lead to a false sense of security, particularly since radar can have limitations in detecting smaller vessels or other obstacles. Maintaining a regular speed and course is typically unsafe in fog because it does not account for the increased risks present, while closely following other boats can create additional hazards, as visibility limitations make it difficult to judge distances and recognize sudden changes in their speed or direction. Taking a careful and considered approach as outlined in the correct answer fosters a safer experience when navigating fog.