A vessel equipped with operational radar should?

• A. Rely on visual lookout only
• B. Turn off radar in fog
• C. Use this equipment to obtain early warning of risk of collision
• D. Radar is optional and may be neglected

Answer: (C)

Using radar provides early warning of potential collision by showing other vessels’ range and bearing, even when they aren’t visible to the eye. If your vessel has an operational radar, you should actively use it as part of your collision avoidance process, cross-checking with the lookouts and adjusting your speed and course in time to avoid risk. Radar is especially valuable in reduced visibility—fog, darkness, or heavy rain—where visible targets may be hard to spot. Turning it off or neglecting it removes a crucial source of warning and can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore the best practice is to use radar to obtain early warning of any risk of collision.