Safety is always the top priority while you’re out on the water. However, there are some instances when our safety is put at risk; and foggy weather is one of them. When it comes to fog, it’s more difficult for sailors to navigate the waters because of low visibility. If weather forecasts predict that foggy conditions will loom at sea, it’s best to wait it out on dry land before you embark on your journey. However, if you’re at sea and suddenly your Yellowfin boat gets caught up in a fog, make sure you’ll be prepared and know what to do. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Reduce Your Boat’s Speed

Because of low visibility, the risks of colliding with another boat or other obstructions increase. If you’re running at high speed, it’s best to slow down when you’re pacing ahead. This will give you enough time to spot any obstacles before you so you can stop before hitting them.

Let Other Boaters Be Aware of Your Presence

For other potential boaters in the area who are also inconvenienced by the fog as well, make your presence known to them so they’ll be aware that you’re near them.

Turn on your running lights and blast your sound signals for a minute or two. Take breaks in between your sound signals so you can hear if other boaters are sounding their signals too. If you hear them, sound your horn back to let them know you’ve heard their signal and slow down your vessel’s speed to navigate safely without colliding with them.

Stay Away from High Traffic Areas

Areas such as channels, inlets, and bays are where you can find a lot of boaters navigating around. If you’re near a channel marker, proceed with caution as other boaters will head towards this area as well. Be on high alert and drive your boat to its slowest speed.

If you can, navigate away from these locations if you’re not confident enough to proceed here. Wait for the fog to clear up before you go near these locations.

Assign Someone to Be on the Lookout

If you’ve got crew members on board with you, assign one or two to be on the lookout for other boaters, obstructions, lighthouses, buoys, or signs of land ahead. Let them position themselves on the bow of the boat and the stern as well. With extra pair of eyes on the lookout, you can navigate the waters safely and even get into the safety of land where you can go near and moor your boat securely while waiting for the fog to clear up.

Fog-related safety gear and equipment you should carry onboard which are especially useful in foggy conditions:

• Personal flotation devices such as life jackets and life vests for every person onboard. It’s best to wear them during these conditions. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• A compass and map if you don’t have GPS or Chartplotter tool and equipment in your boat.

• A VHF marine radio to directly communicate with the Coast Guard and even with other boaters around the area. Having communication with other boaters is helpful to navigate the sea safely as you proceed towards your destination.

• A depth finder or fishfinder to let you show the water’s depth beneath your boat, so you don’t hit any submerged obstacles or run your boat towards the shore.

• A searchlight to alert other boats of your presence.

• A marine radar to alert you of nearby vessels. This equipment can be costly and not all boats have this important feature. But if you find yourself going offshore regularly, it’s best to invest in this one.

• Horns, ship bells, and whistles to use to signal other boaters of your presence.

You can find these items in marine shops around your area, or you can order them through online shops.

If you find yourself with virtually zero visibility around you and don’t feel confident of your ability to navigate through the thick fog, just stop. Turn off your boat’s engine, throw down your anchor into the water, and wait for the fog to clear up. It’s best to be safe than sorry. Don’t forget to do the things mentioned above while you’re anchored. Doing these things ensure your safety and prevent any mishaps from happening.