When does the rule regarding lookouts apply?

• A. In daylight only
• B. In heavy traffic
• C. Only in restricted visibility
• D. In restricted visibility, between dusk and dawn, and in heavy traffic

Answer: (D)

A proper lookout must be kept at all times, using sight and hearing and any available means to assess the risk of collision. The situations highlighted—restricted visibility, night hours (between dusk and dawn), and heavy traffic—are when that vigilance is most crucial because visibility is limited or vessel density is high, making it harder to detect other vessels and hazards early. In restricted visibility you can’t rely on clear sight or signals, at night the light levels reduce detection ability, and in heavy traffic there are more vessels moving unpredictably. So the rule applies across all conditions, but these are the scenarios where maintaining a careful lookout is essential to safety.