What speed should every vessel proceed at all times?

Every vessel should proceed at a safe speed at all times to ensure the safety of all on board, as well as the safety of other vessels and the surrounding environment. Safe speed is defined as the speed at which a vessel can take proper and effective action to avoid a collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. This includes factors such as visibility, the proximity of navigational hazards, the traffic density, and the vessel's maneuverability. Operating at a safe speed enables the vessel operator to have adequate time to react to sudden changes in the navigation environment and helps to mitigate risks associated with maritime travel, including collisions and groundings.

In contrast, maximum speed or average speed does not necessarily take into account the dynamic conditions of the waterways and the need to maintain control over the vessel. Regulated speed, while important in certain areas, is often context-specific and may not apply universally. Therefore, the concept of safe speed encompasses the broader responsibility of the master to navigate effectively and safely under varying circumstances.