When radar indicates a collision course, what level of action is recommended?

When radar indicates a collision course, what level of action is recommended?

• A. Reduce speed
• B. Stop and hail
• C. Minor course change
• D. Immediate and substantial action

Answer: (D)

When radar shows a collision course, you must act immediately with a strong, decisive maneuver to create separation. The reason is simple: if you keep your current speed and course, and the other vessel holds theirs, you’re on track to meet at the same point. Time is limited, so a small adjustment or waiting for the other vessel to react can leave you with little or no room to avoid collision. A rapid, substantial change in your course and/or speed breaks the collision geometry quickly, giving you a clear path and reducing the risk of a close-quarters situation. While reducing speed or hailing can be part of your overall approach, they don’t guarantee avoidance by themselves and aren’t the primary remedy when radar indicates an imminent collision.

When radar shows a collision course, you must act immediately with a strong, decisive maneuver to create separation. The reason is simple: if you keep your current speed and course, and the other vessel holds theirs, you’re on track to meet at the same point. Time is limited, so a small adjustment or waiting for the other vessel to react can leave you with little or no room to avoid collision. A rapid, substantial change in your course and/or speed breaks the collision geometry quickly, giving you a clear path and reducing the risk of a close-quarters situation. While reducing speed or hailing can be part of your overall approach, they don’t guarantee avoidance by themselves and aren’t the primary remedy when radar indicates an imminent collision.