You are underway in thick fog. You have not determined if risk of collision exists. Which statement is TRUE?

When navigating in thick fog, the safest course of action is to reduce your speed to bare steerageway. This practice ensures that you can maintain control of the vessel while also being able to take prompt action if a risk of collision does exist. Reducing speed allows you to react more effectively to any potential dangers that may arise, such as other vessels or navigation hazards that may not be visible due to the reduced visibility.

Maintaining bare steerageway implies that the vessel can still be maneuvered effectively while minimizing the risk of a collision, which is crucial in conditions where visibility is severely limited. This strategy aligns with the principles of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, which emphasize the need for caution when operating in reduced visibility.

In contrast, increasing speed or proceeding at a constant speed could hinder your ability to react to unseen obstacles and increase the likelihood of a collision in foggy conditions. Remaining stationary may also not be a practical choice as it could lead to being struck by other vessels that might not see you. Therefore, the best approach when underway in fog is to reduce your speed appropriately to ensure safety.