BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada 

Operating in bad weather is primarily a matter of avoiding collisions. Use the following techniques to avoid collisions in bad weather:

• Proceed with caution: Be able to stop in a short distance rather than having to resort to unexpected evasive manoeuvers
• Place lookouts: If you have passengers onboard, place them near the bow and stern as effective lookouts–operate with caution during high wave conditions when other craft may not be visible
• Look and listen: You and your passengers should ‘look out’ for other craft and navigational aids by both sight and hearing
• Navigation lights: Use your craft’s navigation lights during periods of restricted visibility to alert other boaters to your position
• Stop your engines: If you are underway in heavy fog, stop your engines at specific intervals to listen for fog signals from other vessels or from aids to navigation (marker buoys)
• Use your radar: Radar is your best option when visibility conditions are reduced–if you have a passive radar reflector it should be displayed during periods of restricted visibility