What should you do if caught in a fog while boating?

When caught in fog while boating, it is crucial to prioritize safety and navigational awareness. Using radar, if you have it equipped, allows you to detect nearby vessels and obstacles, improving your situational awareness despite poor visibility. Slowing down is vital for maintaining control and giving yourself time to react if any hazards or other vessels appear. Sounding horn signals is an established communication method to alert other boaters of your presence and intentions, as required by maritime navigation rules.

In contrast, speeding up in fog is dangerous as it reduces reaction time and increases the risk of collisions. Anchoring could leave you vulnerable to other boats and potentially drifting if you are in a location with current or wind. Following the closest vessel may seem like a good idea, but it may lead you into their wake or an unexpected situation without knowing their speed or course changes. Thus, the correct approach in foggy conditions is to utilize available technology, decelerate to ensure safety, and actively communicate with sound signals.