How should you operate a boat in the presence of dense fog?

When operating a boat in dense fog, maintaining a watchful lookout and sounding the horn regularly is crucial for safety. In foggy conditions, visibility can be severely reduced, making it challenging to see other vessels or obstacles in the water. By keeping a vigilant watch, boat operators can identify potential hazards more effectively.

Sounding the horn as per the regulations is also important because it communicates your presence to other vessels that may not be visible in the fog. The sound signals help ensure that those nearby are aware of your location even if they cannot see you, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.

While navigating using GPS may seem like a good option, it is not a substitute for a lookout or communication methods in low-visibility conditions. Similarly, speeding up to get through the fog quickly can increase the likelihood of encountering other vessels or obstacles, making it a risky choice. Anchoring could potentially place a vessel in harm's way, as it may drift or be struck by other vessels if not adequately marked. Thus, the best practice is to stay vigilant and use sound signals when navigating through dense fog.