If the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change, what is deemed to exist?

If the bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change, what is deemed to exist?

• A. Risk of Collision
• B. Safe Passage
• C. No Risk of Collision
• D. Ear Port Signals Required

Answer: (A)

When another vessel’s bearing stays essentially constant, you’re on a collision course with it. That fixed bearing shows the two vessels are converging, and the distance between them is shrinking, so there is a risk of collision. The proper response under the rules is to take early and substantial action to avoid collision, such as altering course or speed to increase the separation. The other phrases aren’t used to describe this situation. Safe Passage and No Risk of Collision would imply no danger, which isn’t the case when the bearing doesn’t change. Ear Port Signals Required isn’t a relevant term for this scenario.

When another vessel’s bearing stays essentially constant, you’re on a collision course with it. That fixed bearing shows the two vessels are converging, and the distance between them is shrinking, so there is a risk of collision. The proper response under the rules is to take early and substantial action to avoid collision, such as altering course or speed to increase the separation.

The other phrases aren’t used to describe this situation. Safe Passage and No Risk of Collision would imply no danger, which isn’t the case when the bearing doesn’t change. Ear Port Signals Required isn’t a relevant term for this scenario.