Which statement best describes how to avoid a collision?

Which statement best describes how to avoid a collision?

• A. Use best efforts, big enough and soon enough for other operator to see that you are taking action
• B. Wait until the other vessel changes course
• C. Increase speed to outrun the other vessel
• D. Sound one long blast and hope for the best

Answer: (A)

Taking early, decisive action to avoid a collision and making that action clearly visible to the other vessel is the safest and most reliable approach. If you detect a risk, you should use all available means to alter your course and/or speed in a way that is noticeable to the other operator, so there’s no doubt you intend to avoid them. This proactive mindset reduces the chance that both vessels wait to see what the other will do and instead creates a predictable, positive maneuver for collision avoidance. Waiting for the other vessel to change course relies on their actions and can still result in a close-quarters situation if they don’t move. Trying to outrun the other vessel by simply increasing speed isn’t a sound strategy, as it can worsen the situation or place you into a different risk area. A single long blast isn’t enough by itself to prevent a collision; sound signals are a communication tool, but they must be accompanied by real, visible maneuvering.

Taking early, decisive action to avoid a collision and making that action clearly visible to the other vessel is the safest and most reliable approach. If you detect a risk, you should use all available means to alter your course and/or speed in a way that is noticeable to the other operator, so there’s no doubt you intend to avoid them. This proactive mindset reduces the chance that both vessels wait to see what the other will do and instead creates a predictable, positive maneuver for collision avoidance.

Waiting for the other vessel to change course relies on their actions and can still result in a close-quarters situation if they don’t move. Trying to outrun the other vessel by simply increasing speed isn’t a sound strategy, as it can worsen the situation or place you into a different risk area. A single long blast isn’t enough by itself to prevent a collision; sound signals are a communication tool, but they must be accompanied by real, visible maneuvering.