What should recreational vessels do in foggy conditions?

In foggy conditions, recreational vessels should sound fog signals and navigate with caution. This is crucial for safety as reduced visibility impairs a captain's ability to see other vessels and navigational markers. Fog signals, which can be auditory signals such as horn blasts, serve to alert other vessels to your presence, helping to prevent collisions. Caution in navigation means reducing speed and being mindful of surroundings, allowing for more time to react to any obstacles or other vessels that may be difficult to see in the fog.

Increasing speed to pass through fog could lead to dangerous situations as it limits the ability to respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances. Stopping and waiting for visibility might seem safe, but it could cause issues if other vessels are still moving, potentially leading to collisions. Ignoring fog signals, even if familiar with the area, undermines the safety protocols established for fog navigation and places the vessel at significant risk. Therefore, the proper response during fog is to utilize fog signals and maintain a cautious approach while navigating.