U.S. Code > Title 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters > CHAPTER 34—INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES (§§ 2001—2073) > SUBCHAPTER I—RULES (§§ 2001—2038) > Part B—Steering and Sailing Rules (§§ 2004—2019) > subpart iii—conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (§ 2019) > § 2019. Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)

§ 2019. Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)

(a) Vessels to which rule applies
This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.
(b) Safe speed; engines ready for immediate maneuver
Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver.
(c) Due regard to prevailing circumstances and conditions
Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with Rules 4 through 10.
(d) Detection of vessel by radar alone
A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall 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 toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
(e) Reduction of speed to minimum
Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on course. She shall if necessary take all her way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.