What is the primary concern when determining safe speed?

The primary concern when determining safe speed is the ability to take action to avoid collision. Safe speed varies based on multiple factors, but its main purpose is to ensure that a vessel can navigate effectively and react in a timely manner to any potential hazards or other vessels in the vicinity. Being able to take appropriate avoidance measures is crucial in preventing accidents, especially in congested waterways or areas with limited visibility.

While factors such as the time taken to reach the destination, the size and type of the vessel, and weather conditions are indeed important considerations when assessing safe speed, they ultimately serve to inform decisions that prioritize the vessel's ability to avoid collisions. Hence, the focus on taking action to prevent incidents directly correlates to the core principle of safe navigation, which emphasizes safety over speed.