How to Navigate in Fog

A long weekend may be the excuse you need to sail away and unwind. But out at sea, anything can happen. A thick blanket of fog can form quickly and cause near-zero visibility. Even experienced sailors avoid navigating in fog for fear of colliding with other boats or getting lost. To make the most of your adventure, do your homework before taking to the water. While you can’t control the weather, you can avoid fog-related accidents with planning and proper equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Radar reflector
  • Fog horn or whistle
  • GPS or navigation chart
  • Compass
  • VHF radio
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Instructions

    • 1

      Reduce your speed when the fog rolls in. Slowing down will help you avoid running into another boat. A good rule of thumb is to adjust your speed so that you would be able to stop your vessel in 50 percent of the distance of your forward visibility. Sometimes it's best just to anchor, if you are away from a navigation lane and other boats.

    • 2

      Turn on all your running lights and mount your radar reflector so large vessels can see you on their radar.

    • 3

      Sound a fog horn to let other vessels know where you are. According to Boater101, if you are a motorboat, signal one prolonged blast every two minutes; if you are a sailboat, signal one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes. At the same time, listen carefully for fog signals and horns from other boats and nearby buoys. Position someone on the bow of your boat to be your lookout.

    • 4

      Turn on your radar to help you monitor the movements of other vessels around you and “see” when they are coming at you out of the fog.

    • 5

      Use GPS or a navigation chart to determine your location and help you find your way back to the dock or boat launch.

    • 6

      Keep your VHF radio tuned to Channel 16, which is the distress frequency and monitored by the Coast Guard. Listen for information about vessel movements and position reports. When caught in fog, broadcast your own position and nature of your emergency.