When approaching another vessel and you are not sure whether danger of collision exists, you must assume there is risk of collision.

When approaching another vessel and you are not sure whether danger of collision exists, you must assume there is risk of collision.

• A. There is risk of collision
• B. There is no risk
• C. You should speed up
• D. You should turn to port

Answer: (A)

When you’re unsure if a danger of collision exists, you must treat it as if there is a risk. This mindset is what drives safe decisions: assume the worst and take early, substantial action to avoid a collision. The correct option states that there is risk of collision, because it directly reflects that precautionary approach and aligns with COLREGs guidance to act promptly rather than wait for certainty. In practice, you would use all available means to assess the situation and, if needed, slow down and/or alter course to pass with safe clearance. The other choices don’t fit because denying risk isn’t safe, and simply speeding up or turning in a specific direction doesn’t capture the necessary precaution of treating any doubt as potential danger and acting to avoid it.

When you’re unsure if a danger of collision exists, you must treat it as if there is a risk. This mindset is what drives safe decisions: assume the worst and take early, substantial action to avoid a collision. The correct option states that there is risk of collision, because it directly reflects that precautionary approach and aligns with COLREGs guidance to act promptly rather than wait for certainty. In practice, you would use all available means to assess the situation and, if needed, slow down and/or alter course to pass with safe clearance. The other choices don’t fit because denying risk isn’t safe, and simply speeding up or turning in a specific direction doesn’t capture the necessary precaution of treating any doubt as potential danger and acting to avoid it.