Explain ship visibility on the sea

Ship visibility on the sea refers to how far a ship can be seen from another point, or how far a person on a ship can see. This is influenced by several factors:

• Distance to the Horizon: The curvature of the Earth limits visibility. The higher your viewpoint, the further the horizon, and thus the further you can see. For a person standing on deck, the horizon is about 3 nautical miles away. For someone in the crow's nest, it's much further.
• Atmospheric Conditions: Fog, mist, rain, snow, and haze significantly reduce visibility. Clear weather allows for maximum visibility.
• Light Conditions: During the day, a ship is visible due to its silhouette against the sky or sea. At night, navigation lights are crucial for visibility. The intensity and color of these lights are standardized.
• Size and Color of the Ship: Larger ships are generally more visible than smaller ones. Darker colors can sometimes blend with the sea, while brighter colors might stand out more, depending on the background.
• Sea State: Rough seas can make it harder to spot a ship, especially if it's low in the water or partially obscured by waves.