
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 33USC2006]

 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
                  CHAPTER 34--INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES
 
                           SUBCHAPTER I--RULES
 
                   Part B--Steering and Sailing Rules
 
      subpart i--conduct of vessels in any condition of visibility
 
Sec. 2006. Safe speed (Rule 6)

    Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she 
can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped 
within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and 
conditions.
    In determining a safe speed the following factors shall be among 
those taken into account:
    (a) By all vessels:
        (i) the state of visibility;
        (ii) the traffic density including concentration of fishing 
    vessels or any other vessels;
        (iii) the maneuverability of the vessel with special reference 
    to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing 
    conditions;
        (iv) at night the presence of background light such as from 
    shores lights or from back scatter of her own lights;
        (v) the state of wind, sea, and current, and the proximity of 
    navigational hazards;
        (vi) the draft in relation to the available depth of water.

    (b) Additionally, by vessels with operational radar:
        (i) the characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar 
    equipment;
        (ii) any constraints imposed by the radar range scale in use;
        (iii) the effect on radar detection of the sea state, weather, 
    and other sources of interference;
        (iv) the possibility that small vessels, ice and other floating 
    objects may not be detected by radar at an adequate range;
        (v) the number, location, and movement of vessels detected by 
    radar; and
        (vi) the more exact assessment of the visibility that may be 
    possible when radar is used to determine the range of vessels or 
    other objects in the vicinity.

(Pub. L. 96-591, Sec. 2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3418.)

                          Codification

    Section was enacted as part of section 2 of Pub. L. 96-591 which 
enacted the Inland Navigational Rules which comprise this subchapter.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in sections 2004, 2013, 2018, 2019 of 
this title.
