
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: 33USC2019]

 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
                  CHAPTER 34--INLAND NAVIGATIONAL RULES
 
                           SUBCHAPTER I--RULES
 
                   Part B--Steering and Sailing Rules
 
        subpart iii--conduct of vessels in restricted visibility
 
Sec. 2019. Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility (Rule 19)


(a) Vessels to which rule applies

    This Rule applies to vessels not in sight of one another when 
navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility.

(b) Safe speed; engines ready for immediate maneuver

    Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevailing 
circumstances and conditions of restricted visibility. A power-driven 
vessel shall have her engines ready for immediate maneuver.

(c) Due regard to prevailing circumstances and conditions

    Every vessel shall have due regard to the prevailing circumstances 
and conditions of restricted visibility when complying with Rules 4 
through 10.

(d) Detection of vessel by radar alone

    A vessel which detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel 
shall determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of 
collision exists. If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, 
provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so 
far as possible the following shall be avoided:
        (i) an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the 
    beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken; and
        (ii) an alteration of course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the 
    beam.

(e) Reduction of speed to minimum

    Except where it has been determined that a risk of collision does 
not exist, every vessel which hears apparently forward of her beam the 
fog signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a close-quarters 
situation with another vessel forward of her beam, shall reduce her 
speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on course. She shall if 
necessary take all her way off and, in any event, navigate with extreme 
caution until danger of collision is over.

(Pub. L. 96-591, Sec. 2, Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3422.)

                       References in Text

    Rules 4 through 10, referred to in par. (c), are classified to 
sections 2004 through 2010 of this title.

                          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 section 2018 of this title.
