Question 79 Rules of the Road

The correct answer is D) a distance appropriate to the existing circumstances and conditions. The Navigation Rules (both International and Inland) state that a vessel shall be operated at a safe speed at all times, which means a speed that allows the vessel to be stopped within a distance appropriate to the existing circumstances and conditions. This is to ensure the vessel can be maneuvered safely and avoid collisions. The other options are too specific or not directly from the Navigation Rules. Option D captures the essence of the rule, which is to adjust speed based on the unique situation, rather than a fixed distance.