Question 1

The GPS chartplotter shows a clear position, but the skipper cannot see any landmarks to confirm it. How much should this position be trusted?

Accepted Answer

Use it as the best information available, but stay cautious — keep checking the depth sounder against the chart's depths nearby, since this can help confirm (or warn against) the GPS position without needing to see anything GPS position is normally reliable and is the best tool available in fog, but good practice is to use a second check where possible — comparing the depth sounder reading to what the chart says should be at that position is a simple, effective cross-check that does not require seeing anything outside the boat. This habit of "trust but check" is valuable in any situation where you cannot visually confirm your position.

Question 2

Within a few minutes, the view around SUNBEAM shrinks from miles to barely 100 metres as fog rolls in. What is the first thing the skipper should do?

Accepted Answer

Slow down to a safe speed for the visibility, and get the boat's position fixed and written down (from GPS or the last known landmark) right away, before it gets harder to tell exactly where you are Slowing down gives more time to react to anything appearing suddenly out of the fog — other boats, buoys, or the shore. Getting an accurate position fix straight away, while you still roughly know where you are, is much easier than trying to work it out later once visibility is poor and nerves are higher. Speeding up to "get through" fog is a common and dangerous mistake.

Question 3

With visibility down to 100m, what should the crew do to help avoid a collision with another boat?

Accepted Answer

Put a dedicated lookout right at the front of the boat (as far forward and as quiet as possible to help hear other vessels), and turn on navigation lights even in daytime so SUNBEAM is easier to see if visibility improves slightly or another vessel gets close A dedicated lookout right forward, away from engine noise, can often hear another vessel's engine or fog signal before it is seen — sound travels well in fog and is often the first warning. Lights help other boats spot you, even in daylight fog. Everyone going below removes eyes and ears that could spot danger — exactly the opposite of what is needed.