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Inland · Rule 6

Safe Speed

Last verified: 2026-05-16

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

Source links checked against the current public rule corpus on 2026-05-16.

International parallel

COLREGs Rule 6Safe Speed

More from Part B-I — Conduct in Any Visibility

Related drills

Drill Inland Rule 6

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Inland Rule 6: Safe Speed — USCG Captain's Exam Prep · CaptainsGround