When taking action to avoid collision, you should ________.

• A. Make sure action is taken in enough time
• B. Delay action until you see the other vessel
• C. Sound a signal only
• D. Alter course and speed after the other vessel

Answer: (A)

Taking action to avoid collision must be done with ample time. The idea is to be proactive: continuously assess the situation, and as soon as there is any risk of collision, steer the maneuver early and decisively rather than waiting to see what the other vessel does. This gives you safer options and reduces the chance of a last‑minute, potentially dangerous maneuver. The appropriate action is to alter course and/or reduce speed in a clear, well‑timed way, using all available means to determine risk. Waiting until you actually see the other vessel or relying on them to act first can leave you with too little time to avoid a close-quarters situation.