If there is any doubt that a risk of collision exists, what should mariners do?

If there is any doubt that a risk of collision exists, what should mariners do?

• A. Treat the situation as a risk and take appropriate action
• B. Only monitor with no action
• C. Assume no risk until proven
• D. Ignore the possibility of risk

Answer: (A)

When there’s any doubt about the risk of collision, you should treat it as real and take action to avoid it. Acting early and decisively gives you more room to maneuver and reduces the chance of a close-quarters situation, which is exactly what the collision avoidance rules require. Merely monitoring or waiting for proof isn’t safe, and assuming there’s no risk until proven—or ignoring the risk—can lead to a collision. So you change course, slow down, or take other appropriate steps to pass at a safe distance.

When there’s any doubt about the risk of collision, you should treat it as real and take action to avoid it. Acting early and decisively gives you more room to maneuver and reduces the chance of a close-quarters situation, which is exactly what the collision avoidance rules require. Merely monitoring or waiting for proof isn’t safe, and assuming there’s no risk until proven—or ignoring the risk—can lead to a collision. So you change course, slow down, or take other appropriate steps to pass at a safe distance.