On the VHF radio, ships should maintain a listening watch on the appropriate channels, especially Channel 16 which is used for initial distress and safety calls. They should also make regular announcements about their position, course, and speed to other vessels in the area. For example, “This is MV [Vessel Name]. We are in fog, currently at position [latitude and longitude]. Our course is 090 degrees and our speed is 3 knots. Please keep a lookout for us and maintain a safe distance.”
If there is a risk of collision or uncertainty about the position of other vessels, ships should use the VHF to communicate and clarify the situation. For instance, “This is MV [Vessel Name]. We detected your vessel on our radar but the visibility is very poor. Please confirm your position and course so that we can avoid any potential collision.”
In addition to VHF communication, the use of other audible signals like the whistle or bell in addition to the regular fog signals can also be used to attract attention or communicate with nearby vessels when visual contact is impossible. For example, if a ship hears an unusual sound from a nearby but unseen vessel, it can respond by sounding its own whistle in a specific pattern to indicate its position and alert the other ship.
Reducing speed is a crucial requirement. The ship must slow down to a safe speed that allows it to stop within the visible distance ahead. For example, in dense fog, the ship might reduce its speed from its normal cruising speed of 15 knots to 5 knots or even slower depending on the visibility conditions.
Sounding fog signals at regular intervals is mandatory. A power-driven vessel underway in fog should sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes. A vessel at anchor in fog should sound rapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds at intervals of not more than one minute. For example, “In this foggy situation, our ship, which is underway, is sounding the fog signal as required, one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two minutes.”
The use of navigation lights should be adjusted according to the regulations. In fog, the lights need to be on and visible from appropriate distances to help other vessels detect the ship's presence and position. For instance, the masthead lights, sidelights, and sternlight should be kept in good working condition and their brightness and visibility range should meet the specified standards.