What are all the additional precautions you will take into account for determining the safe speed of your vessel with operational

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all as per rule number 6 safe speed part b..


(i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment;
(ii) any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
(iii) the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather and other sources of interference;
(iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
(v) the number, location and movement of vessels detected by radar;
(vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or other objects in the vicinity.



Every vessel: This point may have special significance with respect to vessels constrained by their draught (CBD) or restricted in their ability to manoeuvre (RAM), which may not be justified in maintaining a high speed when other vessels are in close proximity, because of their limited manoeuvrability.

Safe Speed: This is intended to be a used in a relative sense.  If a ship is involved in a collision, it does not necessarily follow that she was going too fast.  In clear visibility, collisions can generally be attributed to a bad lookout or to wrong decisions and actions subsequent to detection, rather than to a high speed.

At all times: A relatively high speed might be accepted as being initially safe for a vessel using radar in Restricted Visibility in open waters, provided prompt action is taken to bring the speed down, when radar information shows this to be necessary.  Remember, as OOW, the engines are at your disposal and you do not necessarily need to call the Master first.  However, timely warning to the ER should be given whenever possible.  In order to maintain a safe speed “at all times”, a continuous appraisal of changes in circumstances and conditions should be made and any necessary alteration of speed must be instantly put into effect.

Proper and Effective Action: A vessel may be unable to take proper and effective action due to the speed being too high, or in some circumstances, too low.

There are some acronyms, which may help you to remember the order and important words of both paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.  These are better discussed in class or on board ship, rather than printed!