What is a requirement for any action taken to avoid collision?

What is a requirement for any action taken to avoid collision?

• A. A negative action performed late
• B. An action that is delayed
• C. An action that is positive and made in ample time
• D. An action that stops all traffic

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that to avoid a collision, a vessel must take early, positive action. This means making a clear, affirmative maneuver—such as changing course or adjusting speed—in a deliberate and timely way. Doing so gives other vessels sufficient time to see, understand, and respond to the maneuver, which reduces the chance of a near miss or actual collision. Actions described as negative, delayed, or last‑minute do not provide this predictability and often create greater risk, and stopping all traffic is neither required nor practical. So the best approach is a positive change in course or speed applied with ample lead time.

The key idea is that to avoid a collision, a vessel must take early, positive action. This means making a clear, affirmative maneuver—such as changing course or adjusting speed—in a deliberate and timely way. Doing so gives other vessels sufficient time to see, understand, and respond to the maneuver, which reduces the chance of a near miss or actual collision. Actions described as negative, delayed, or last‑minute do not provide this predictability and often create greater risk, and stopping all traffic is neither required nor practical. So the best approach is a positive change in course or speed applied with ample lead time.