COLREG Rule 6 — Safe Speed

COLREG 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 the prevailing circumstances and conditions.' The rule lists the factors to be considered including state of visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, background lights, sea state, weather, and (for radar-equipped ships) the characteristics and limitations of the radar equipment. Safe speed is contextual; the open-ocean cruise speed is rarely safe in fog or restricted waters.