In determining "safe speed", all of the following must be taken into account EXCEPT the __________.

In the context of determining "safe speed," the primary focus is on the factors that impact navigational safety and the ability to react to potential hazards. The elements to consider include visibility conditions, traffic density, and wind and sea conditions, as these directly affect how a vessel operates and the captain's ability to maneuver safely.

Maximum horsepower of a vessel, while an important characteristic for performance, does not directly influence safe speed in terms of navigation and reaction time. Safe speed is more about how quickly a vessel can operate while adequately being able to avoid collisions and respond to changes in the environment around it. Therefore, the maximum horsepower is not a consideration in assessing whether you can safely navigate at a certain speed given the conditions you may encounter.