What is required from every vessel when determining the risk of collision according to Rule 7?

Rule 7 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough assessment of the risk of collision. According to this rule, the phrase "employ all available means appropriate to the conditions" indicates that mariners must utilize various tools and methods at their disposal when making judgments about potential collision risks.

This means that operators should consider both electronic aids, such as radar, and visual observations, such as looking out for other vessels and assessing environmental conditions like visibility and sea state. By casting a wide net for information, vessels can better evaluate their surroundings and make informed decisions to avoid collisions. The rule encourages a comprehensive approach to collision risk assessment rather than relying solely on one source or method, which could lead to oversight or misjudgments in traffic scenarios.

The other options do not encompass the broad and multifaceted approach required for effective risk assessment. Consulting the weather forecast, while important for safe navigation, does not directly address collision risk assessment. Using radar exclusively limits the scope of situational awareness that a mariner should harness. Waiting for signals from nearby vessels could lead to delays in navigation decisions, which may not be timely enough to prevent a collision, demonstrating that proactive engagement is necessary.