OAR 250-011-0070: Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility

Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have its engines ready for immediate maneuver: (1) Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with OAR 250-011-0050. (2) A vessel which detect by radar alone the presence of another vessel shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists. If so, it 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: (a) An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken; and (b) An alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam. (3) Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does not exist, every vessel which hears, apparently forward of its beam the fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with another vessel forward of its beam, shall reduce its speed to the minimum at which it can be kept on course. The vessel shall, if necessary, take all its way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme caution until danger of collision is over.