COLREGs · Rule 6
Safe Speed
TL;DR
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective action can be taken to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
Why it shows up on the exam
Rule 6 lists factors to be taken into account — visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, lights at night, state of wind/sea/current, draft. Memorise the list.
Authoritative source
- 33 CFR §83.06— verbatim Inland Rule text (US Code of Federal Regulations)
- International COLREGs Rule 6 verbatim text is published by the IMO. The Inland counterpart 33 CFR §83 chunk above mirrors the international wording almost verbatim.
Inland parallel
Inland Rule 6 — Safe Speed →More from Part B-I — Conduct in Any Visibility
Related drills
Drill COLREGs Rule 6
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