If two vessels are on crossing courses, how can you maintain a safe distance?

• A. Stop and reverse immediately.
• B. Sound a warning horn continuously.
• C. Increase speed to outrun the other vessel.
• D. Adjust speed or course to eliminate the collision risk and maintain a safe margin.

Answer: (D)

In a crossing situation, the aim is to ensure you do not converge with the other vessel and to keep a safe margin. The way to do that is to adjust your speed or your course so the potential collision is eliminated. This approach follows the rule that action to avoid collision should be taken early and by altering course and/or speed to keep well clear.

Stopping and reversing isn’t practical or reliable in this context, and sounding a horn alone won’t prevent a collision. Increasing speed to outrun the other vessel can still leave you on a collision course if the other path isn’t adjusted. So, the safest and most effective action is to change your speed or course to create a clear, safe separation path.