Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining safe speed?

Safe speed is a critical concept in navigation, aimed at ensuring that a vessel can take proper and effective action to avoid collisions. The determination of safe speed is influenced by a variety of factors relevant to the vessel's environment and operational characteristics.

Visibility plays a significant role in safe speed. Reduced visibility, whether due to fog, rain, or other conditions, necessitates a slower speed so that the crew can better perceive navigational hazards and other vessels, enabling timely evasive actions.

The vessel's draft is also an essential consideration for safe speed. A deep draft vessel may need to operate at reduced speeds in shallow areas to avoid grounding. Understanding the vessel's draft in relation to charted depths can dictate prudent speed through critical areas.

Proximity to navigation hazards is crucial as well. If a vessel is near rocks, buoys, or other potential collision hazards, it should adjust its speed accordingly to maintain safety and avoid accidents.

While time of day may affect visibility and personal capability to see obstacles, it is not traditionally classified as a direct factor in determining safe speed in the same way that the other elements are. The primary concerns remain visibility, the vessel's specifications (like draft), and hazards, making this consideration less critical for operational speed assessments. Thus,