When we/ATC clear you to or at a level 'visual' then YOU are responsible for terrain clearance.
If you cannot remain visual on climb to or, on reaching the cleared level then advise ATC.
The term is used because you are below the radar lowest safe altitude.
We are not allowed to vector you OCTA so the clearance would be 'enter CTA on an easterly heading on climb to 5000 visual.
This allows you to manouvre to negotiate terrain, clouds and traffic.
Once you are in CTA we might vector you and once you are above RLSALT we should cancel the "visual" component.
AA