What actions should you take if visibility is severely restricted while boating?

When visibility is severely restricted while boating, using sound signals to alert others is the appropriate action to take. Sound signals, like horn blasts, help communicate your presence to nearby vessels that may not be able to see you. This is particularly important in conditions such as fog or heavy rain when both visibility and the ability to visually identify other boats are compromised. By using sound signals, you provide a means for others to be aware of your location and intentions, which is critical for ensuring safety on the water.

Other actions, such as speeding up or continuing at the same speed, could lead to dangerous situations, as other boaters may not see you and collisions are more likely in poor visibility conditions. Lowering navigation lights is counterproductive, as it would decrease your visibility rather than improve it. Properly functioning navigation lights are vital for ensuring that other vessels can see you.