In foggy conditions, what should you primarily rely on for navigation?

In foggy conditions, visibility is significantly reduced, making it difficult to rely solely on visual cues for navigation. This is where radar and sound signals become essential tools. Radar can help detect other vessels, landforms, and navigational aids even when they are not visible to the naked eye, allowing for safer navigation in poor visibility. Sound signals, such as foghorns, provide additional information about the presence and position of other vessels as their horns allow them to communicate their location despite being unseen.

Using radar in conjunction with sound signals creates a more layered understanding of the surroundings, helping to prevent collisions and ensure safe passage. This multifaceted approach to navigation is crucial in foggy conditions where traditional means such as visual lookout or GPS alone may not suffice. While GPS coordinates, charts, and maps can all play roles in navigation, they are not as effective in reducing immediate risks associated with the lack of visibility that fog presents.